After a grocery store is sold, the former owner and new owner must notify the store's workers about the change in ownership and their employment rights.

Following a sale, the new owner is required to keep all of the existing staff employed at the store for at least 90 days after the date of sale. After 90 days, the new owner can decide whether or not to keep any of the existing workers as employees.

A Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) representative can answer any questions owners or workers might have about these requirements.

Online

• Learn about the Grocery Worker Retention Act.
• Live Chat with a DCWP representative for more information.
  • Live Chat is available for owner inquiries only.
  • When you open the webpage, click the "Live Chat" button. Then, click the button in the middle of the screen that says "Live Chat with a DCWP Representative" to open a chat window.
• Submit your questions by email to grocerylaw@dcwp.nyc.gov.

By Phone

A DCWP representative can answer questions during regular business hours.

• Agency: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
• Division: Office of Labor Policy and Standards
• Phone Number: (212) 436-0380
• Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
• Phone assistance is available, but some calls may go straight to voice mail. Please leave a detailed message and a representative will contact you. As an alternative, visit nyc.gov/workers.