Cub Foods workers reach deal after strike threat

UPDATE: This story from April 6 has been updated to reflect that a last-minute agreement was reached, averting a strike. (8:15 a.m. CST, April 7, 2023)

Grocery store workers in the Twin Cities area say they’ve made plenty of sacrifices in the past few years, but claimed leadership at a regional chain wasn’t giving them their due. Union workers at dozens of stores threatened a strike this week before reaching a last-minute deal, averting a walkout.

On Friday and Saturday, Cub Foods workers at more than 30 metro-area stores had planned to walk the picket line. They are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663. Higher wages were a key issue, along with some working conditions.

Prior to the agreement, Kris Foslien, a deli lead at a local Cub store, said they are still reminded of the challenges of being on the front lines during the pandemic. “Some of us couldn’t partake in any type of holiday thing or birthdays, because we’re scared that we’re going to get our families sick,” Foslien recounted. “That was a big wear on people.”

The union says the tentative agreement provides raises of $2.50 to $3.50 an hour by spring of 2024 and establishes a landmark safety committee. Ahead of Friday’s announcement, Cub’s parent company, United Natural Foods, said it has proposed “historic” wage increases and agreed to ongoing union health and pension plans, on terms requested by the union. It added it had contingency plans to ensure the continued availability of products and services had there been a walkout.

During a news conference earlier this week, Rena Wong, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 663, said they were also fighting for part-time workers, noting the company’s initial proposal included what she calls a “regressive” wage structure.

“Our 15-hour-a-week part-timers, which is quite common, would have to work almost 140 weeks before they see a raise. That is not respectful,” Wong contended.

The workers had been without a contract since early March. They claimed the company and its leadership have benefited financially in recent years, but any profits did not reach those who could not work remotely.

Mike Moen writes for the Minnesota News Connection.