Minneapolis — May 8, 2024 — A potential strike looms for Minnesota grocery workers following stalled contract negotiations. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663, representing employees at major chains, are at odds with management over demands for improved wages, healthcare, and work security, according to this report of the current state of affairs. This critical development impacts thousands of workers at Cub Foods, Lunds & Byerlys, Kowalski’s, and Jerry’s Foods, and could disrupt the local economy. As the next bargaining session approaches, the outcome remains uncertain.
minnesota Grocery Workers Threaten Strike Over Contract Disputes
As contract negotiations stall, Minnesota grocery store workers represented by UFCW Local 663 are preparing to strike, demanding better wages, healthcare, and job security.
The Impasse: Key Issues at Stake
Grocery store employees across Minnesota, who have been without a contract since March, are on the brink of striking. Represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663, these workers are employed at major chains including Cub Foods, lunds & byerlys, Kowalski’s, and Jerry’s Foods [[3]].
did You Know?
UFCW Local 663 represents thousands of grocery workers in Minnesota, advocating for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions.
The core of the dispute lies in the union’s demands for a contract that addresses several critical issues:
- Wages: Workers seek a living wage that reflects their contributions and the rising cost of living.
- Affordable Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is a major concern for union members.
- Secure Retirement: Ensuring a stable and dignified retirement for long-term employees.
- Protection for Hours and Transfers: Guaranteeing fair treatment and predictability in work schedules and job assignments.
Rallying for a Fair Deal
On Sunday, a rally outside a Lunds & Byerlys store in Edina marked the beginning of a “week of action.” Andrea Turner, a 42-year employee of Lunds & Byerlys, stood in solidarity with her coworkers, emphasizing the essential role of grocery workers:
You can’t have a grocery store without grocery store workers.
Turner,who started as a part-time bagger and rose to a full-time deli supervisor,highlighted the struggles faced by many in the industry:
People should not have to stitch together two,three jobs as they can’t get a decent wage here or can’t get enough hours.
Pro Tip:
Supporting local grocery workers can involve writing to store management,attending rallies,and spreading awareness on social media.
Government Support and Company Response
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan attended the rally, expressing her support for the workers’ cause:
In this economy, in this moment, as people are doing everything they can to simply take care of themselves and take care of their families, folks at this establishment should have the back of these workers.
In response to the union’s protests, the grocery chains issued a joint statement on April 10, expressing their disappointment:
It is unfortunate that the union has taken the unnecessary step of protesting at our stores… We hope the union will come to the table and work with leadership on an agreement that is fair to everyone and enables grocers to continue to meet the needs of the thousands of customers we serve each day.
Looking Ahead
The rally in Edina was part of a broader movement, with Minnesota union members joining workers from across the country to protest what they describe as the “billionaire takeover” of the grocery industry.
The next bargaining session between the union and the grocery chains is scheduled for May 1.
FAQ: Grocery Worker Strike
- What is UFCW Local 663?
- A union representing grocery workers in Minnesota.
- Why are workers considering a strike?
- To secure a fair contract with better wages, healthcare, and job security.
- Which stores are affected?
- Cub Foods, Lunds & Byerlys, Kowalski’s, and Jerry’s Foods.
- When is the next negotiation?
- May 1.
