Wal-Mart Competition

Council overrides veto of grocery store health insurance law 

   
October 11, 2005, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) _ Larger grocery stores in New York City would be required to pay for health care benefits for some or all of their workers under a law passed Tuesday over objections from Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The City Council voted 40-2 to override the mayor's veto of the legislation, which affects stores with at least 35 employees or 10,000 square feet or more of floor space devoted to grocery sales.

Supporters said at least 6,000 workers would get access to health insurance as a result of the law. City Councilwoman Christine Quinn said the legislation would prevent companies from trying to boost their profits by providing workers with fewer benefits.

Bloomberg said when he vetoed the legislation in September that he admired the proposal's intent, but believed it to be illegal under federal laws that generally bar cities and states from meddling with pension or health care benefits provided by private employers.

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