Kowalski’s Markets strike averted; tentative agreement offers ‘historic wage increases’

The union representing about 600 workers at six Kowalski’s Markets in the Minneapolis area reached a tentative agreement with the regional grocer, averting a strike that was set to begin Friday, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 announced.

The new two-year contract offers “significant raises” for both full- and part-time grocery workers, and it supports the “worker-driven healthcare” proposal that had been sought by the union, UFCW said late Friday.

“We secured our union healthcare, won historic wage increases, pay equity and secured our retirement,” Jacob Stromquist, produce manager at the Lyndale Kowalski’s store, said in a statement.

A Kowalski’s representative did not immediately respond to a WGB request to comment on the tentative agreement early Monday.

Kowalski’s workers, who had been without a collective-bargaining agreement since March 5, voted last week to authorize a three-day unfair labor practices strike. At the time, the union said it would call off the strike if there was progress at the bargaining table.

“Since these scheduled negotiations began in January this year, we have been steadfastly committed to promoting our employees’ best interests,” Kowalski’s COO Mike Oase said in a statement to WGB last week. “We have continued to fight for what’s just for our employees and have been completely transparent in our dealings with our employees and their union representatives.”

UFCW Local 663’s bargaining committee is organizing informational meetings so members can review the tentative agreement, with a ratification vote slated for this week.

In early July, UFCW Local 663 worked to secure a contract for Lunds & Byerlys workers in the Minneapolis are that offers upgraded health benefits as well as wage increases of $3 to $4 on average per hour.

In April, the union and Cub Foods’ parent United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) negotiated an agreement that calls for raises of $2.50 to $3.50 per hour.

Kowalski’s was founded in 1986, after the owners purchased a Red Owl Country Store in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and converted it. There are now 11 Kowalski’s Market locations in Minnesota.