Meijer workers make demands known ahead of contract negotiations

Meijer and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) are getting ready to start contract negotiations for some 28,000 workers, reports CBS News Channel 3.

The UFCW has said it wants contract talks to include wage increases, an increase in paid time off, and improvements to a medical plan that protects workers from intense medical debt due to serious illness or injury.

Contract negotiations are set to begin on Oct. 11.

“As we begin negotiations, we have made it very clear to Meijer we want a strong contract for our members,” John Cakmakci, UFCW 951 president, said in a statement. “Our members, as essential workers, have endured a lot over the past three years and believe it is now their turn to share in the healthy profits their employer recorded during, and following, the pandemic.

“Workers across the country, in a wide variety of industries, are taking a stand and demanding the wages, benefits, and working conditions they deserve, and our members are no exception.”

Cakmakci’s tone follows the one recently echoed by unionized workers from two Canadian grocers — Metro grocery workers in July and Loblaw employees in September.

Metro workers were on strike for a month before settling on a contract. They, too, wanted an increase in pay and better benefits. Loblaw workers approved a move to strike and demanded higher wages and improved working conditions.