Workers at Linden Hills Co-op won their election yesterday to form a union with the United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 663. 85% of workers voted in favor of unionization.
\n\u201cWe are excited to begin the bargaining process because it is the next step in making our already amazing co-operative even more amazing. We love where we work. This is an extremely positive thing!\u201d said Tracie Lemberg from Health and Body Care.
\nWorkers have begun circulating bargaining surveys to help the bargaining committee understand their fellow workers\u2019 priorities.
\n\u201cI have been working at co-ops in the Twin Cities since I was 16. Forming a union is the best way to make sure all workers are treated fairly and have a say in creating a positive work environment. I\u2019m proud to work at this co-op and look forward to making it an even better place,\u201d said Emily Calhoon from the Produce Department.
\nWorkers want to actively ensure good jobs and a sustainable co-op that best serves the needs of the community.
\nEvan Adams-Hanson, a Front End Floor Coordinator said, \u201cForming a union reinforces co-op values of community throughout our store. Linden Hills Co-op can be a model for how workers and management cooperate to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability at all levels.\u201d
\nWhen workers first started discussing forming a union, they met at each other\u2019s houses discreetly to create a safe space to refine their goals and identify who would be most interested in organizing.
\n\u201cOrganizers helped provide advice and experience, but this organizing was done by us \u2013 we were making commitments to each other to have each others\u2019 back,\u201d said Grocery Buyer, Bryce Christopherson. \u201cFor other workers who are forming their union I would advise as much transparency and outreach to your co-workers as feasible. And reach out \u2013 we are happy to help you go through the process of forming your union.\u201d
\nMark McGraw from the Scanning department said, \u201cI feel more connected than ever to my co-workers and our store, and I\u2019m excited to have all voices at the table as we move forward with our contract negotiations.\u201d
\nSupport for these workers has been pouring in.
\n\u201cI am an assistant bakery manager and have been a member of my union for 20 years,\u201d said Monica Hayes who works at the Lunds & Byerly\u2019s in Richfield, \u201cand I want to welcome my new brothers and sisters from Linden Hills Co-op.\u201d
\n\u201cOur union is part of a bigger movement for change. We want to raise industry standards for all retail workers. This is an example of how workers have power when we act together,\u201d said Judi Johnson, an executive board member of UFCW Local 663 who works as the Floral Manager at the Blaine West Cub Foods.
\n\u201cI\u2019m excited that workers in Minneapolis are organizing a Union to secure long term improvements and ensuring good jobs in our city. Making sure workers have a voice on the job is democracy in action and is consistent with the spirit of democracy that is core to co-ops. As a member-owner at Linden Hills Co-op, I support these workers one-hundred percent,\u201d said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges.
\n\u201cThe organizing and activism of these workers is an inspiration to me and all the members of our Local. We wholeheartedly welcome them,\u201d said UFCW Local 663 President Matt Utecht.
\nLinden Hills Co-op workers were inspired by other workers who recently organized a union at the Wedge Community Co-op and Whole Foods Co-op in Minnesota and the People\u2019s Food Co-op in Michigan.
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