Friday, 07 May 2010 04:14

Raley’s Grocery Store Settlement Pays Out $580,000

slide3-raleys_grocery_store_settlement_pays_out_580000.pngAmador County - Raley’s grocery stores on Monday agreed to pay $580,000 in order to settle a civil case that originated in Amador County alleging the company discouraged injured workers from filing claims and encouraged them to use the company’s health plan. The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office announced that Raley’s agreed to pay $550,000 in penalties and costs, including $30,000 to fund training for law enforcement through the California District Attorney’s Association. The settlement will go to five counties participating in the suit, which was based on the testimony of over 100 Raley’s employees interviewed by District Attorney’s Offices from Amador, Monterey, Yolo and Placer counties. Raley’s has neither admitted to nor denied the allegations. The company will now adopt mandatory workers’ compensation training for store managers, improve record keeping and contract with a telephonic medical advice company to evaluate worker injuries. In 2007, the Amador County District Attorney’s office began investigating a complaint by a local Raley’s employee that store manager’s dissuaded an injured employee from filing a claim. The incident took place at the Bel Air store in Roseville, also owned by Raley’s. The Sacramento Bee published a statement by Michael Teel, Raley’s president and CEO, who said he was “disappointed and saddened” by the accusations. In another statement, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office said: “The goal was to hold Raley’s accountable, gain compliance with the law and deter others.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.