FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 22, 2023
Brainerd Lakes, MN – Today, over 500 members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 who work at Quisberg’s and Miner’s grocery foods stores began an Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike against the grocery employers for engaging in intimidation tactics meant to stop workers from exercising their rights in the workplace.
UFCW Local 663 President Rena Wong said:
“Today, Brainerd Lakes food workers are demonstrating the power that comes from standing together against corporate intimidation. Cub Foods and Super One have engaged in unfair labor practices meant to stop workers from exercising their rights despite the tireless efforts of these essential workers who risked their lives every day to keep Cub stores running throughout the pandemic.
“Striking is always a last resort, however, this type of corporate bullying not only impacts workers but the customers and communities they serve. Quisberg’s and MIner’s have have left our members with no choice but to stand alongside each other on the picket line to confront their unfair labor practices.”
On behalf of Quisberg’s Cub Foods, SuperValu, and Miner’s Super One Foods members, UFCW Local 663 has filed ULP charges against the company for interference with employees exercising their rights to participate in protected concerted activity, interrogating employees about union activity, and illegal surveillance of union activity.
Today’s walk-out follows a strike authorization vote on December 12, in which an overwhelming majority of union members voted to authorize a strike.
UFCW 663 members have continued working since their union contract, which covers 500 workers at Quisberg owned Cub Foods and Pequot Lake SuperValu, and Miner’s owned Super One Foods expired on December 2. In the latest round of contract negotiations, they are fighting for better wages, workplace protections, and benefits on the job in order to build a better life at work and better serve the communities that rely on them. The next bargaining session between UFCW 663 members and employers has not been determined, despite repeated attempts by the union bargaining committee
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UFCW Local 663 represents more than 17,000 hard-working retail, meat packing and processing, food preparation and manufacturing, healthcare, and other workers in Minnesota and Iowa. 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