FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2024
Workers win increased wages and create pathways to better part time jobs
Brainerd Lakes, MN –United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 union members at Quisberg’s and Miner’s grocery foods stores overwhelmingly ratified their union contract last week. The contract includes increased wages for all employees and creates pathways to better part time jobs. No benefits or wages were repealed or lost.
The three year agreement with Miner’s and Quisberg’s is retroactive to December 3, 2023. Wages are effective May 5, 2024.
Full Time and Part Time workers at both companies will see wage increases with improved wage scales for all job classifications. Full Time wage increases vary from $3.50-$5.45 at Miners, and Quisberg’s Full Time positions will see increases of $4.45-$7.15. All Part Time positions at both companies will see increases between $2.25-$4.00 over the life of the contract.
Union members at Miner’s will see average wage increases of over 17 percent, and members at Quisberg’s will see average wage increases of over 21 percent.
The new contract also improves all full time and part time jobs. Some of the highlights include:
- Improved Paid Time Off and bereavement leave.
- Path for “extra employees” to become Regular Part Time (benefit eligible), and path for Utility/Clean Team employees to move to the Part Time wage scale.
- NEW language ensuring store transfers are offered by seniority and if forced would impact the least senior employee.
“Our UFCW union member bargaining team held the line for their co-workers to improve all working conditions. We know that good working conditions help to create good jobs. Good jobs bring us together and help to demonstrate what we value in our community. Our union contract is a reflection of our values and what we collectively hold in common.
Together, UFCW essential grocery store workers in Brainerd Lakes will continue to proudly serve neighbors, family, friends, and visitors. UFCW welcomes any worker that wants to build a better life together,” said Michael LaCoste, Secretary-Treasurer and lead union negotiator.
UFCW Local 663 agreed to drop the Unfair Labor Practices filed as a part of the tentative agreement.
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UFCW Local 663 represents more than 17,000 hard-working essential retail, meat packing and processing, food preparation and manufacturing, healthcare, and other workers in Minnesota. 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. UFCW Local 663 is part of the 1.3 million-member United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Contact: Jessica Hayssen, 651-261-8559