In an attempt to provide added leverage to the grocery workers union in contract talks, Los Angeles' powerful labor movement and its allies among elected officials are exploring ways to use local government to pressure supermarket chains to boost pay and benefits. The Los Angeles City Council held a hearing to highlight the lack of major grocery stores in poor areas of the city ? a situation that labor officials and community groups say is an example of "redlining." The city also has arranged to hire a consultant to study the employment and business practices of grocery stores. And throughout the region, elected officials are passing resolutions in support of the workers.
See "Grocery union enlisting powerful allies in government", Joe Matthews, Los Angeles Times, April 29, 2007