Why this city is sending grocery workers $1,000 checks

“Essential workers in grocery stores and pharmacies have bravely put their health at risk daily throughout the pandemic to ensure our families have the food, essential supplies, and vaccine access we need,” said Marc Perrone, the president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, in a statement. “The UFCW is urging all governors and local leaders in all 50 states to follow Oxnard’s lead by ensuring this state pandemic aid is used to provide covid premium pay and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices made by those on the front lines.”