Hundreds of Kowalski’s Markets employees who are members of UFCW Local 663 and were slated to walk off the job on August 4, have reached a tentative agreement for a two-year contract. The strike has been called off.
The agreement would provide significant raises for part-time and full-time positions, and secure worker-driven healthcare, according to UFCW Local 663.
A spokesperson of Kowalski's did not immediately return SFA News Daily's request for comment, Monday.
The union bargaining committee is organizing informational meetings for members to review the tentative agreement and plans for a ratification vote next week.
“We secured our Union Healthcare, won historic wage increases, pay equity and secured our retirement,” said Jacob Stromquist, produce manager at the Lyndale Kowalski’s store in Minnesota, in a statement. “I’m proud to be a UFCW Local 663 member and Kowalski’s employee.”
UFCW 663 members continued working since their union contract–which covers over 600 workers at six Kowalski’s stores–expired on March 5. Members voted last Monday to authorize an unfair labor practice strike that was scheduled for August 4, 5, and 6. The strike was called off Friday when the parties reached a tentative agreement.
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