{"id":65060,"date":"2026-06-25T15:50:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T19:50:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ufcw.org\/?post_type=press_releases&p=65060"},"modified":"2026-07-01T10:20:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T14:20:53","slug":"governor-dan-mckee-joins-ufcw-local-328-to-sign-rhode-islands-historic-self-checkout-legislation","status":"publish","type":"press_releases","link":"https:\/\/www.ufcw.org\/press-releases\/governor-dan-mckee-joins-ufcw-local-328-to-sign-rhode-islands-historic-self-checkout-legislation\/","title":{"rendered":"Governor Dan McKee Joins UFCW Local 328 to Sign Rhode Island\u2019s Historic Self-Checkout Legislation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Governor signs bill mandating 1:3 staffing ratio for self-checkout stands at UFCW Local 328 offices in Providence<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. \u2013 <\/strong>Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328<\/u><\/a><\/strong> <\/strong>welcomed Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee to their office for the formal bill signing of S. 2342\/H. 7290<\/strong>, a measure that mandates a staffing ratio of one grocery store worker for every three self-checkout stands. The legislation is a major win for both consumers and workers, allowing self-checkouts and workers to better serve shoppers. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\u201cWe applaud Governor McKee for his support on this issue and swiftly signing this bill into law,\u201d said UFCW Local 328 Secretary-Treasurer Domenic Pontarelli. <\/strong>\u201cUFCW Local 328 members in the grocery industry are often overburdened with having to monitor too many self-checkouts while shoppers face delays. Staffing ratios fix this issue for everyone, including retailers who lose millions in theft each year. Governor McKee, Senate President Lawson, and Representative Cotter have shown strong leadership for all Rhode Islanders, and we thank them for it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\u201cToday, we\u2019re protecting jobs and strengthening customer service,\u201d said Governor Dan McKee<\/strong>. \u201cWhether it\u2019s helping a customer with an issue, assisting a senior, or ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities, this law is about preserving choice and keeping people at the center of the shopping experience. I\u2019m proud to see Rhode Island become the first state in the country with a statewide requirement on self-checkouts, proving that in the Ocean State, it\u2019s a priority to protect our workers and consumers. I thank the bill sponsors and all the members of UFCW Local 328 for getting this bill over the finish line.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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S. 2342\/H. 7290 is part of UFCW\u2019s \u201c<\/strong>Affordable Groceries and Good Jobs Campaign<\/u><\/a><\/strong>.\u201d Contact <\/strong>press@ufcw.org<\/u><\/a><\/strong> to learn more about self-checkout staffing ratios and legislative efforts to protect both consumers and workers.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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BACKGROUND<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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