Cub Foods workers threaten to strike

A union representing grocery workers in and around Minneapolis is trying to figure out next steps after members working at UNFI Corporate Cub Foods delivered a convincing vote to strike. The work stoppage would impact 33 stores.

UFCW Local 663 posted the results on Facebook on April 4, stating that 94% of about 3,000 ballots were marked “yes” for a strike. The grocery workers have been putting in hours without a new contract since March 4. The union is expected to communicate a call to action on April 5.

Grocery workers at Cub Foods are demanding higher pay and more in terms of worker protections. The group also is accusing Cub Foods of trying to get in the way of a possible strike by interrogating employees and illegally surveying union activity. The workers say the corporation is preventing them from “exercising their rights to participate in protected concerted activity.”

The workers have been specific in their demands, which include a two-year contract and a $4/hour increase in pay—$2 during the first year and another $2 the second year. UNFI’s deal sits at a $2.75/hour increase for year one and then another $1.25/hour the second year.

"Cub cares greatly about its team members and has negotiated diligently and in good faith with UFCW local union 663 to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement. As part of its current offer, Cub has proposed historic wage increases and agreed to ongoing union health and pension plans on terms specifically requested by the union,” UNFI said in a statement.

Related:Cub Foods goes chainwide with fresh food platform

“We’re deeply disappointed that the union elected to spend [time] taking a strike authorization vote instead of using that time to meet with us to reach an agreement on terms for a new contract. It is our strong hope that the union will choose to continue negotiations rather than pursue a strike. In the event there is a strike, we are prepared to implement contingency plans to ensure the continued availability of the products and services our guests have come to count on from Cub."

Both sides are expected back at the negotiation table on April 11.

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Do you think a $4/hour raise over two years is a reasonable request? Let us know below or email SN Executive Editor Chloe Riley at  [email protected].