Hitch in Plan to Bring Trader Joe’s to Oakland

Trader Joe’s wants to open two stores in Oakland, but the question of whether to hire a union workforce has thrown a temporary wrench into the grocery chain’s plans.

At least two members of the Oakland Planning Commission fought to delay action on liquor permits for the stores until Trader Joe's talks with union leaders. Commission member Michael Lighty said the extra time may help avoid a repeat of problems other food stores are facing.

"We have an ongoing dispute at Farmer Joe's in the Diamond District of Oakland that has been very disruptive to the community, precisely over this issue," he said.

Meanwhile, Oakland City Council member Patricia Kernighan says many people in her district are desperate for Trader Joe's to open. "We have not had a grocery store for 18 months. We have lots of people who don't have cars, older people, disabled people, who can't even get to a grocery store."

Trader Joe's did not return calls seeking comment.

KCBS' Chris Filippi has more