021522-R-9sr&att.REVISED — Long Beach City Council, February 15, 2022

Date:

To:

From:

Subject:

February 15, 2022
Honorable Mayor Robert Garcia and Members of the City Council Vice MayorRex Richardson, 9t11 District
Councilmember Mary Zendejas, 1st District
Councilmember Cindy Allen, 2nd District
Solidifying Protections for Workers During Long Beach's Recovery RECOMMENDATION:

Direct the City Attorney to amend LBMC Chapters 5.53 and 5.55 to remove their sunset clauses thereby making Chapters 5.53 and 5.55 permanent, and; Direct the City Attorney to rewrite LBMC sections 5.53.010 and 5.55.010 to reflect that the purpose of the City's recall and retention ordinances (LBMC 5.53 and 5.55) is to ensure an equitable recovery from COVID-19 for Long Beach hotel and janitorial workers and to protect workers against the dangers posed by future pandemics, including future COVID-19 variants and surges, and to return with the amended ordinance within 7 days.

Discussion
On May 12, 2020, the City Council adopted two Ordinances: the COVID-19 Citywide Worker Retention Ordinance (LBMC, Chapter 5.53) and the COVID-19 Citywide Worker Recall Ordinance (Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC), Chapter 5.55) to provide protections to workers in high-contact, high-risk industries during the COVID-19 emergency. Both Ordinances became effective on June 22, 2020.

In a November 1 memo to the City Manager, Economic Development Director John Keisler recommended a sunset date of December 31, 2021, for both ordinances. The memo cited "that both State and local health orders related to COVID-19 have been lifted or relaxed, that state and federal COVID-19 sick leave laws have expired, that many high contact industries including hospitality, hotels, janitorial, and food services have been allowed to resume operation, and that large local event venues such as the Convention Center and the Grand Prix have been allowed to resume activities," as the reasons for recommending the sunset.1
1 "COVID-19: Worker Protection Ordinances 90-Day Update" Nov. 1 2021. httos://www.longbeach.qov/globalassets/citv-manager/media-librarv/documents/memos-to-the-mayor tabbed-file-list-folders/2021/november-10-2021-covid-19-worker-protection-ordinances-90-day-update VI C E
On December 7th, due to a projected surge in COVID-19 cases coinciding with the arrival of the Omicron variant, the City Council directed the City Manager to push the recommended December 31 51 sunset date out to February 28th. Since then, Long Beach has suffered record-high case counts, and with cases still above last winter's previous high, it has become clear that the approach of re-evaluating the ordinance every 90 days is only adding uncertainty to an already uncertain situation for workers and ownership in the hotel industry.

Because of the unpredictability of .COVID-19's tendency to develop new and more contagious variants, an approach to worker protections that merely evaluates the usefulness of the ordinance in each given three-month window could put the City in· a position where it eliminates the ordinance one day and then brings it back again the next in response to a new variant. This style of seesaw regulation would be damaging to both workers and hotel owners. To provide certainty and security to both groups, the COVID- 19 worker recall and retention ordinances should be left in place permanently until City Council decides they are no longer necessary.

This matter was reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on February 11, 2022.

Fiscal Impact
This recommendation requests the City Attorney to amend LBMC Chapters 5.53 and 5.55 to remove their sunset clauses thereby making Chapters 5.53 and 5.55 permanent, as well as to rewrite LBMC sections 5.53.010 and 5.55.01 O to better reflect the purpose of the City's recall and retention ordinances. Implementing this recommendation is anticipated to require a minimal level of staff hours beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is expected to have a minimal impact on existing City Council priorities.

Suggested Action
Approve recommendation.

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As CLUE, we educate, organize, and mobilize the faith community to accompany workers and their families in their struggle for good jobs, dignity. and justice.

February 10, 2022
Honorable Mayor and City Council,
Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE, as a concerned community organization of hundreds of faith leaders across Los Angeles County, urges you to make Long Beach's Right of Recall and Retention ordinances permanent policies in our city.

The pandemic has taught us that we are more connected than we realize. When we ensure these important protections are in place for workers in future economic crises, we ensure security and safety for our families and communities. The wellbeing of workers is the wellbeing of our city.

Long Beach led the nation in significant efforts of fighting COVID-19 and protecting workers' right to return to work after massive job loss at the start of this pandemic. We can continue showing other states and cities our resilience and the power of communal care amidst crisis. Making Long Beach's Right of Recall and Retention permanent policies is the right and forward-thinking step to build our city stronger and safer for all.

You have witnessed how hospitality and janitorial workers have experienced one of the hardest hits during this pandemic. CLUE has been walking with these workers for years in their struggles for good jobs and dignity. We also fought with them for the right to return to work after being laid off in 2020 on the city as well as state levels. We have heard testimonies of how these policies have saved their livelihoods. As people of faith, we affirm the sacredness of every human being and the dignity of every labor. In the Jewish and Christian sacred text, there is a promise for those who protect and advocate for the vulnerable, "Those who pay close attention to the poor are truly happy! The LoRD rescues them during troubling times." (Psalm 41:1)
As the Mayor and City Councilmembers, you have a sacred privilege and responsibility to enact laws that create a more sacred and just society. By making Long Beach's Right of Recall and Retention permanent policies, not only will you ensure justice for vulnerable workers, but you will also make a positive impact on generations to come.

The future of our children and our city depends on your courageous leadership today in securing the livelihoods of our workers and families. May rich blessings come upon you as you listen to the voices of the vulnerable and advocate for equity for all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via [email protected].

Sincerely,
Executive Director
February 8th, 2022
Honorable Mayor and City Council,
On behalf of the Long Beach Immigrant Rights Coalition, we are writing to express our strong support for Long Beach's Right of Recall and Retention ordinances to become permanent policies in our City. We urge you to prioritize the needs of essential workers and ensure that they have these important protections in place for future economic crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we are all interconnected, our lives and our livelihoods depend on getting through this public health crisis together with dignity for everyone.

In May of 2020 Long Beach led the nation in putting workers first when they voted unanimously to pass ordinances to protect workers' right to return to work after massive job loss during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitality and janitorial workers are essential workers, they are key to our ongoing recovery. But they have been the hardest hit during this pandemic. We fought for essential workers' right to return to work after being laid off. These policies have been critical to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Long Beach workers.

We are concerned that these protections are in danger of repeal, threatening the livelihoods of the essential workers that are still dealing with hardships during the recovery process. The COVID-19 pandemic is not over and we need to make sure everyone recovers, not just the privileged few who can work from the safety of their homes. Our city's leaders must do everything possible to prevent a deeper social and economic crisis with race and class defining who does well and who does not. You all as our elected officials are well positioned to take the necessary steps needed to address the needs this emergency has heightened.

Long Beach, CA 90810
(562) 676-4414
Honorable Mayor and City Council:

MAILING ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 9086
Long Beach, CA 90810
On behalf of the Filipino Migrant Center, we are writing to express our strong support for Long Beach's Right of Recall and Retention ordinances to become permanent policies in our city. We urge you to prioritize the needs of essential workers and ensure that they have these important protections in place for future economic crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we are all interconnected, our lives and our livelihoods depend on getting through this public health crisis together with dignity for everyone.

In May of 2020, Long Beach led the nation in putting workers first when they voted unanimously to pass ordinances to protect workers' right to return to work after massive job loss during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitality and janitorial workers are essential workers who are key to our ongoing recovery, but they have been the hardest hit during this pandemic. We fought for essential workers' right to return to work after being laid off. These policies have been critical to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Long Beach workers.

We are concerned that these protections are in danger of repeal, threatening the livelihoods of the essential workers that are still dealing with hardships during the recovery process. The COVID-19 pandemic is not over and we need to make sure everyone recovers, not just the privileged few who can work from the safety of their homes. Our city's leaders must do everything possible to prevent a deeper social and economic crisis with race and class defining who does well and who does not. As our elected officials, you are well positioned to take the necessary steps to address the needs this emergency has heightened.

Executive Director
Filipino Migrant Center
[email protected]
We dream of a society where families are not torn apart by urgent need for survival. We dream and will active!J' work for a society where there is equal opportunity for everyone to live a decent and humane life. -:::CFA
California Faculty Association@Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard F04
Room 180, MS 3505 Long Beach, CA
90840 Phone: (562) 985-5165 Fax:
(562) 985-1717
February 8, 2022
Honorable Mayor and City Council,
As Co-President of CF A@LB, representing over 2,900 faculty, coaches, counselors, and librarians at CSULB, I urge you to make the Long Beach's Right of Recall and Retention ordinances permanent policies in our City. We must prioritize the needs of essential workers and ensure that they have these important protections in place for future economic crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we are all interconnected, our lives and our livelihoods depend on getting through this public health crisis together with dignity for everyone.

In May of 2020 Long Beach led the nation in putting workers first when they voted i.inanimously to pass ordinances to protect workers' right to return to work after massive job loss during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitality and janitorial workers are essential workers, they are key to our ongoing recovery. But they have been the hardest hit during this pandemic. We fought for essential workers' right to return to work after being laid off. These policies have been critical to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Long Beach workers.

As parents, educators, and community members, our goal is for all of us to be safe and healthy, and we must center the people most impacted -- this is not a new approach. It's called equity.

Racial and economic equity is the way forward yesterday, today and tomorrow, and at this moment, more crucial than ever. We urge the Long Beach City Council to make these protections permanent. Recovery means everyone!
Sincerely,
Gary Hytrek, PhD
Professor of Geography
Co-President, CF A@LB
Chair, CF A@LB Political Action and Legislative Committee February 10, 2022
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Long Beach City Council 411 W Ocean Blvd., 11th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
RE: Right of Recall and Retention Ordinances
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council,
On behalf of Latinos in Action California, we are writing to express our strong support for Long Beach's Right of Recall and Retention ordinances to become permanent policies in our City. We urge you to prioritize the needs of essential workers and ensure that they have these important protections in place for future economic crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we are all interconnected, our lives and our livelihoods depend on getting through this public health crisis together with dignity for everyone.

We are concerned that these protections are in danger of repeal, threatening the livelihoods of the essential workers that are still dealing with hardships during the recovery process. The COVID- 19 pandemic is not over and we need to make sure everyone recovers, not just the privileged few who can work from the safety of their homes. Our city's leaders must do everything possible to prevent a deeper social and economic crisis with race and class defming who does well and who does not. You all as our elected officials are well positioned to take the necessary steps needed to address the needs this emergency has heightened.

As community members, our goal is for all of us to be safe and healthy, and we must center the people most impacted -- this is not a new approach. It's called equity. Racial and economic equity is the way forward yesterday, today and tomorrow, and at this moment, more crucial than ever. We urge the Long Beach City Council to make these protections permanent. Recovery means everyone!
Sincerely,
Martha Cota,
Executive Director
Latinos in Action California
Supporting permanence of Recall/Retention
Ordinances
From: Advocacy Legislation I [email protected] To: Mayor I [email protected], Diana Tang I [email protected], Council District 1 I [email protected], Council District 2 I [email protected], Rahul Sen I [email protected], Council District 3 I [email protected], Jack Cunningham I [email protected], Council District 4 I [email protected], Council District 5 I [email protected], Council District 6 I [email protected], Chork Nim I [email protected], Council District 7 I [email protected], Celina Luna I [email protected], Council District 8 I [email protected], Lynette Johnson I [email protected], Council District 9 I [email protected], Matthew Hamlett I [email protected], Parker Houston I [email protected], CityClerk I [email protected]
-EXTERNAL-
February 10, 2022
Honorable Mayor and City Council,
Thursday,
Feb 10,
4:58 PM
National Council of Jewish Women Greater Long Beach & West Orange County is aware that the City Council will be reviewing the Long Beach's Right of Recall and Retention ordinances to become permanent policies in our city. We are writing to express our strong support for a permanent policy. We urge you to prioritize the needs of essential workers and ensure that they have these important protections in place for the current and future economic crises that occur. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we are all interconnected, our lives and our livelihoods depend on getting through this public health crisis together with dignity for everyone.

We commend the Long Beach City Council for leading the nation in May of 2020 by putting workers first when you voted unanimously to pass ordinances to protect workers' right to return to work after massive job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitality and janitorial workers are the essential workers most affected and they are key to our ongoing recovery.

We are concerned that these protections are in danger of repeal, threatening the livelihoods of the essential workers that are still dealing with hardships during the recovery process. The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, "long Covid" will continue to affect families and we need to make sure everyone recovers, not just the privileged few who can work from the safety of their homes. Our city's leaders must do everything possible to prevent a deeper social and economic crisis with race and class defining who does well and who does not. We know that you, as our elected officials, are well positioned to take the necessary steps needed to address the needs this emergency has heightened.

As mentioned, Covid-19 has impacted our many essential workers more than most and now we must think also about racial and economic equity for our low wage, high-need citizens who need to be given a renewed guarantee to return to work. We urge the Long Beach City Council to make these protections permanent.

Sincerely,
Deborah Lelchuk
Co-VP Advocacy
NCJW - Greater Long Beach & West Orange County
NCJW Greater Long Beach & West Orange County 6216 E. Pacific Coast Highway, #239, Long Beach, CA 90803
www.ncjwlongbeach.org

Long Beach City CouncilFebruary 15, 2022

Long Beach City Council
February 15, 2022