Minnesota grocery workers sign union contract

Workers at Quisberg’s and Miner’s grocery stores in Brainerd Lakes, Minn., have ratified a contract through the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 union.

The new three-year contract, which is retroactive to Dec. 3, 2023, includes higher wages and establishes new pathways for better part-time jobs, the union said in a press release.

Wage increases for full-time workers at Miner’s range from $3.50 to $5.45 an hour and from $4.75 to $7.15 at Quisberg’s. The wage increase for part-time workers at both grocery stores ranges from $2.25 to $4 an hour.

The union noted that Miner’s workers will see an average pay increase of more than 17%, while those at Quisberg’s will see wages go up more than 21%.

The union also negotiated improved paid time off and bereavement leave. The grocers also created a path for so-called “extra employees” to become regular part-time employees, making them eligible for benefits, according to the union. 

“Our UFCW union member bargaining team held the line for their co-workers to improve all working conditions,” Michael LaCoste, UFCW Local 663 secretary-treasurer and lead union negotiator, said in the press release. “We know that good working conditions help to create good jobs.”