A Wal-Mart team member picks an order for pickup in this Wal-Mart corporate photo.

The Fresno City Council indicated support Thursday to mandate that grocery stores pay their employees $3 extra in hazard pay for a period of three months.

The ordinance was pulled for an actual vote, but members indicated it would return after some tweaks to the language. A return date was not disclosed.

At least five councilmembers — the margin needed to pass the ordinance — said they were supportive of the measure. Only one, Garry Bredefeld, said he was opposed.

Council President Luis Chavez sponsored the ordinance. Members Mike Karbassi, Esmeralda Soria, Nelson Esparaza and Miguel Arias indicated they were supportive.

The extra pay “compensates grocery workers for the risks of working during a pandemic,” according to the ordinance.

According to the current language, grocery stores covered under the ordinance would employ 300 or more employees nationwide, regardless of where they are employed. That would include chains, integrated enterprises and franchises.

Also eligible would be stores with more than 15,000 square feet in size or with at least 10% of sales floor area dedicated to non-taxable merchandise.

Employers would not be allowed to reduce covered employees’ compensation or limit hours to counter the ordinance.

Violation is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or by a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

Administrative citations with a fine up to $10,000 per violation could also be used. Employees could also bring civil action against their employers.

Councilmember Miguel Arias said this measure would encourage grocery stores to take care of their employees working during the time of Covid.

“Simply asking people to take care of their employees doesn’t work,” Arias said.

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said he has up until now reserved his comments on the matter, but indicated he did not support the ordinance.

“My philosophy as mayor of the city is it’s not our role to mandate or dictate to local businesses,” Dyer said.

Stores in other locations that have instituted hazard pay have closed, Bredefeld noted.

“We are dictating to the public sector and it doesn’t cost us a dime,” Bredefeld said.

“Let’s take our boot off their necks,” Bredefeld said about regulations restricting business operations.