It’s Better in a Union
September 17th, 2026
JBS Workers in Worthington Win Thousands in Backpay
In 2025, JBS terminated a group of members just before the payout date of bonuses they won in their most recent contract. When UFCW 663 member Kelvin discovered what had happened, he reached out to Union staff to take action. Together, the affected JBS members, Union staff, and stewards fought back by filing a class action grievance.
After many months, JBS and UFCW 663 reached an agreement. 11 members have received their retroactive pay and $750 contract ratification bonus, totaling $8,771.31.
Jerry’s Workers Win Union Healthcare & Higher Maximum Hours
Fifteen UFCW 663 members at Jerry’s Foods won more guaranteed weekly hours and access to our Union healthcare plan after enforcing staffing language in their Union contract.
After our Data Organizer and Member Action Center representative identified that Jerry’s Foods was out of compliance with staffing ratios in our contract, the MAC filed a grievance and successfully secured the reclassification of 15 members to modified part-time status.
“I spent four years asking to be reclassified so I could get more hours, and it never happened,” said Bahman, a member at Jerry’s Foods in Edina. “Without my Union, this would not have happened. Now I have more hours, healthcare, and I don’t have to worry as much about falling behind on my bills.”
Super One Worker Wins $6.65/hr Raise & Over $1,000 Backpay
Rob Vacek, a journeyman apprentice at Super One Foods in Baxter, noticed that he didn’t receive the raise that he was expecting per his Union contract. He called our Member Action Center (MAC) to investigate.
MAC representative Paul Swanson contacted Super One management to investigate. Management had a different interpretation of the contract than our Union did, so Paul made the case for our interpretation and fought to make sure Rob received the wages he had earned.
Rob’s wage jumped from $22.49/hr to $29.14/hr. Additionally, Rob received $1,165 in backpay for the delayed wage increase.
UFCW 663 Provides Wins for Workers
If you’re having an issue at work, please contact your steward, your Union representative, or the Member Action Center at 1-800-292-4105 or mac@ufcw663.org.
This report includes several highlights from the representation work performed at UFCW 663 – this is not an exhaustive list of all grievances and settlements.