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Pico Rivera Walmart Reopens Months After Plumbing Problems

PICO RIVERA (CBSLA.com) — A newly renovated Walmart store that temporarily closed due to plumbing issues reopened in Pico Rivera on Friday.

The store, located in the 8500 block of Washington Boulevard, was shut down on April 14 due to more than 100 leaks and clogs that occurred over two years, according to Walmart.

As a result of the closure, 530 employees were suddenly let go with no guarantee that they would get their jobs back.

Those who were laid off were offered 60 days pay, an optional transfer and severance pay for some.

Union workers subsequently filed a complaint against the company.

Officials explained the retailer was the city's second largest employer before flooding occurred more than six months ago.

Concern arose over the financial hit and how employees would make a living after the closure.

CBS2's Jasmine Viel reported employees who were re-hired will receive the same salary or higher pay.

Walmart released a statement that reads in part: "We have heard from many in the community that they are eager to shop at our store once again. All the repairs are complete and we made extensive upgrades and renovations throughout the store that better reflect the shopping experience our customers now want. We thank the community for their patience during this time and we look forward to seeing you soon."

Meanwhile, Walmart is still hiring and plans to add between 400 to 450 workers at the Pico Rivera location.

Workers who were laid off have vowed to protest outside of the store on Black Friday if they have not already been reinstated by then.

"Of the nearly 100 workers who signed a petition to Walmart calling on the company to pay $15 and provide full-time hours in October of 2014, less than five have been hired at the store or transferred to other locations," the Organization United For Respect at Walmart said in a written statement.

The store opened its doors to the public shortly after 6 a.m. this morning.

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