Kowalski's Strike Averted As Union, Grocer Reach Agreement

MINNEAPOLIS — Union workers at six Kowalski’s Markets locations have reached an agreement with the grocery chain, averting plans for a strike.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663 announced Friday the tentative agreement for a two-year contract with significant raises for part- and full-time employees as well as worker-driver healthcare. A ratification vote is expected this 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 a news release. “I’m proud to be a UFCW Local 663 member and Kowalski’s employee.”

The union represents more than 600 Kowalski’s workers across the metro area. The employees, who had been without a contract since March, planned to strike Aug. 4-6.

“We are happy to say that we reached a tentative agreement,” Kowalski’s Chief Operating Officer Mike Oase told KSTP. “In addition to significant wage increases for our employees it also includes a commitment by both sides to improve health care costs and benefits for our employees which is also very important to our company.”