LOS ANGELES — On Feb. 18, UCLA Labor Center researchers published a new study of supermarket workers in Los Angeles and Orange County Koreatowns. Authored in partnership with KIWA, AAPI Data, and researchers from Cal State LA and Cal Poly Pomona, the report illuminates how Koreatown supermarket workers experience low and stagnant wages, unsafe working conditions, poor health care benefits, and verbal abuse.
Alongside these findings, the study recommends key opportunities for improvement, including investment in career advancement opportunities, language accessibility processes, flexible scheduling, and strengthened wage theft enforcement.
According to 331 surveys and 20 interviews, a literature review, and an analysis of administrative data:
- 40% of supermarket workers in Los Angeles and Orange County Koreatowns experienced at least one form of wage theft, such as unpaid overtime or denial of breaks.
- 24% of workers reported being pressured to work faster than was safe. Workers often forego breaks or meals out of fear of reprimand from management.
- 14% of workers have been injured on the job.
- 13% of workers reported experiencing discrimination; 20% experienced verbal abuse.
- 53% of those abused or intimidated were targeted by managers; response rates of abuse and mistreatment were highest among cashiers, a position overwhelmingly composed of women.
“It’s not just my story—it’s the story of many supermarket workers. With the hours we are given and the wages we earn, it is often not enough to cover all our expenses or to support our families. We work hard every day, but it is still difficult to get by,” said Juan, a supermarket worker in Los Angeles’ Koreatown. “I hope this study helps raise awareness and leads to decisions that empower supermarket workers to live dignified lives.”
“Supermarkets in Koreatown serve as cultural and economic anchors, while also shaping local economies,” said Lucero Herrera, senior research analyst at the UCLA Labor Center and report co-author. “They provide accessible jobs for workers from diverse backgrounds while creating spaces where people can meet, share information, and build community. So it’s critical that we understand what these markets’ working conditions are like, and how to improve them.”
“Our survey found that supermarket workers are struggling to make ends meet, despite working full-time or even balancing multiple jobs. Workers are exposed to undue pressure, abuse, and fear.” said Brady Collins, chief of staff at KIWA and report co-author. “The data shows that thousands of supermarket workers face multiple and overlapping challenges, and more can be done to support them and create safer, more equitable workplaces.”
“The workers I meet simply want fair wages, healthy working conditions, and respect,” said Alexandra Suh, executive director at KIWA. “This new data shines light on the stark realities Koreatown supermarket workers are facing. It also shows us clear paths forward. Policy innovation and organizing for fair wages, health insurance, and an end to wage theft, discrimination, and abuse: supermarket workers and advocates can come together to bring about better jobs and communities where all our families can thrive.”
Download the report: bit.ly/LCOWUP
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About the UCLA Labor Center:
Established in 1964, the UCLA Labor Center believes that a public university belongs to the people and advances cutting-edge research, education, and service guided by our core values: economic equity, racial and immigrant justice, and worker power and solidarity. Through our signature approaches and methodology that employ research justice, narrative storytelling, student and leader-to-movement pathways, and culturally and racially responsive evaluation, we partner with workers, unions, worker centers, students, and impacted communities to advance economic justice across California, the nation and globally. Learn more: https://labor.ucla.edu/
About KIWA:
Founded in 1992, KIWA builds power with immigrant workers and renters to bring about a more just and inclusive Los Angeles. One of the nation’s most impactful worker centers, KIWA organizes primarily Korean and Latino workers, with a focus on the restaurant and retail industries, in Koreatown and beyond. KIWA aligns strategic worker and community organizing with policy innovation, leadership development, research, services, and coalition-building. Because of their immense impact on workers’ lives, KIWA also works in the areas of civic justice, economic policy, immigration, housing policy, and land-use reform. Learn more: https://kiwa.org/
About AAPI Data:
AAPI Data is a leading research and policy organization producing accurate data to shift narratives and drive action toward enduring solutions for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. AAPI Data aspires to transform public and private systems to ensure that all AA and NHPI communities are recognized, valued and prioritized. Learn more: https://aapidata.com/
