UFCW 663 and workers from Lunds & Byerly’s reached a tentative deal Monday night to avoid a strike during the July 4 weekend.
Earlier Monday, the union announced that workers at the grocer would strike if the company could not negotiate a union contract in good faith. Union workers had been employed without a contract since March 7.
“Our members kept Minnesotans fed during the pandemic, even in the most uncertain of times,” said UFCW Local 663 President Rena Wong. “They took the strength and courage they used during those times and stood united to win contracts for their coworkers that reward the sacrifices they made, and set them up to build even better lives in the future.”
During negotiations, union representatives and workers accused Lunds & Byerly’s of unfair labor practices and filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board.
In a press release, UFCW 663 said that the deal included significant raises for full and part-time positions, and secured “worker-driven healthcare.”
Lunds & Byerly’s released a statement saying, “Our resolve from the onset of these negotiations has been to champion industry-leading wages and a better healthcare plan for our team members, and we’re pleased the tentative agreement provides these benefits to our team members.”
Workers were set to march off the job on Thursday, but Lunds & Byerly’s was able to avoid the strike by agreeing to the new contract.
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