Wednesday, August 2, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Hayssen, 651-261-8559
Minneapolis–Grocery workers who were slated to walk off the job this Friday morning instead overwhelmingly ratified their next two year contract with Kowalski’s Markets that provides raises, pay equity and secures retirement for all employees to over 600 workers at six Kowalski’s stores throughout the western metro.
The vote took place at six store locations around the western metro beginning at 10am. UFCW Local 663 members counted and tallied votes after polls closed at 4pm.
Members of UFCW Local 663 at Kowalski’s are looking forward to raises from $2.00 to $4.00 an hour by Spring of 2025.
“I’m so happy that my coworkers and I are getting the raises we fought for. I am inspired to be a part of strengthening our union one contract at a time,” said Kim Cizl, union bargaining committee member from the Hennepin Kowalski’s deli.
“I’m excited we secured pay equity for all union employees, because it allows the work environment to feel more fair and just, and that’s important to me,” said Aidan Lindon, deli specialist at Eden Prairie Kowalski’s.
The ratified contract expands 401(k) access to all union members at Kowalski’s and secures increased contributions. Union members were also able to secure their union health care and will not have to pay contributions for two years.
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United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663 is a union of more than 17,000 hard-working essential workers in retail, meat packing and processing, food preparation and manufacturing and healthcare in Minnesota led by President Rena Wong. We strive to improve the lives of our members and of all working families by fighting for economic, political, and social justice in our workplaces and communities. Local 663 is part of the 1.3 million-member United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.