Disputed claims by Grocery Associations against Seattle for Hazard Pay Ordinance
In response to Seattle’s request that Washington federal court drop a lawsuit regarding the city’s pandemic pay hazard pay ordinance, two Grocery associations urged the court not to grant the motion to dismiss. Seattle claims the law lacks a legitimate connection to protecting workers and the public, but the grocery associations argue the ordinance singles out certain workers while excluding other employees who may be at higher risk, leading to a violation of federal and state equal protection requirements. The disputed Hazard Pay Ordinance grants a $4 hourly wage increase to workers at grocery stores of certain sizes. The grocery associations argue it was not imposed on an “even-handed basis” as it applies only to certain employers (grocers dedicating sufficient area on sales floors to groceries and employing 500 or more grocery workers worldwide).
Costco, Marshalls, and Gold Coffee Roasters settle with Hawaiian Coffee farmers regarding false labeling
Costco, Marshalls, and Gold Coffee Roasters settle with Hawaiian Coffee farmers regarding false labeling
Costco, Marshalls, and Gold Coffee Roasters reached a settlement agreement in response to a proposed class action suit by Hawaiian coffee farmers regarding claims of ordinary coffee being sold as “Kona.” This mislabeling violates the Lanham Act’s ban on false designations of origin. While 2.7 million pounds of coffee in grown in the Kona region each year, over 20 million pounds are labeled “Kona” which harms true Kona farmers.
Gold Coffee Roasters agreed to pay over $6 million to over 600 farmers and to fix the labels to meet Hawaii’s labeling laws. Costco and Marshalls will not pay under their agreements, but will provide injunctive relief by updating their labels to meet guidelines and requiring all vendors to complete a certification process.
