BAXTER — Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 663 were picketing Friday, Dec. 22, on the first day of the planned strike at local grocery stores.
The walk-out follows a strike authorization vote on Dec. 12 , in which an overwhelming majority of union members voted to authorize a strike.
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Out in front of Baxter Cub Foods early Friday morning, Molly Cosert, a 25-year employee, said they were striking from Dec. 22-25 because the owners were not willing to go back to the bargaining table before the holiday season.
“We love our jobs and customers,” Cosert said. “And we wish we were inside helping them right now.”
Working for the Quisberg’s since she was 16 years old, Cosert said she has always been proud to work for a family-owned business and wants to get back to work. She said she was also proud of her daughter, a fourth generation “union girl” working at Brainerd Cub Foods.
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A 39-year employee, Tracy Oxborgh, was outside Super One Foods in Baxter and said it was saddening to have put so much effort and time into a company and not be appreciated. She asked those looking to support them to not shop at Cub Foods in Brainerd and Baxter, Super One in Baxter and Crosby, and Pequot Lakes SuperValu until after the strike.
Pam Olson was on hand in her son’s place to show support for the striking workers. Her son, Doug Olson, is a 15-year employee at Baxter Cub Foods but he was unable to attend the strike because of an illness. Pam Olson said her son was “bummed” he couldn’t make it, but she took a photo of his striking co-workers and sent it to him.
Also outside Super One Foods in Baxter was Sandra Livingston, an employee of eight years who thanked everyone who has shown their support. She asked those who were willing to reach out to the owners and people in charge to let them know they should pay and compensate their employees fairly.
A news release sent out by Local 663 Friday morning stated that over 500 members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663, who work at Quisberg’s and Miner’s grocery stores, began an unfair labor practice strike against the grocery employers for engaging in intimidation tactics meant to stop workers from exercising their rights in the workplace.
“Today, Brainerd Lakes foods’ workers are demonstrating the power that comes from standing together against corporate intimidation,” said Rena Wong, UFCW Local 663 president, in the news release. “Cub Foods and Super One have engaged in unfair labor practices meant to stop workers from exercising their rights despite the tireless efforts of these essential workers who risked their lives every day to keep Cub stores running throughout the pandemic. Striking is always a last resort, however, this type of corporate bullying not only impacts workers but the customers and communities they serve. Quisberg’s and Miner’s have left our members with no choice but to stand alongside each other on the picket line to confront their unfair labor practices.”
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The news release also stated Local 663 filed unfair labor practices charges against the company for interference with employees exercising their rights to participate in protected concerted activity, interrogating employees about union activity and illegal surveillance of union activity.
Union members continued working since their union contract at Quisberg-owned Cub Foods and Pequot Lake SuperValu, and Miner’s owned Super One Foods expired Dec. 2.
In the latest round of contract negotiations , union workers stated they are fighting for better wages, workplace protections, and benefits on the job in order to build a better life at work and better serve the communities that rely on them. The next bargaining session between UFCW 663 members and employers has not been determined. The union stated there were repeated attempts to return to negotiations by the union bargaining committee.
When the strike was announced, Boyd Hanson, director of human resources at Miner’s said the employers didn’t believe the strike was about unfair labor practices but was about an economic strike related to wages and benefits.
Both Miner’s and Quisberg’s grocery stores in Baxter, Crosby, Brainerd and Pequot Lakes intend to be open Dec. 22-24 but at reduced hours, closing earlier. On Dec. 22, store hours will be 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 23 hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Christmas Eve stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours are typically shorter on Christmas Eve.
TIM SPEIER, staff writer, can be reached on Twitter @timmy2thyme , call 218-855-5859 or email [email protected] .
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