Members of UFCW Local 663 who work at Quisberg’s and Miner’s grocery stores in Brainerd Lakes, Minn., recently ratified a new contract that increases wages and creates pathways to better part-time jobs.
The three-year agreement, which was ratified by an overwhelming margin by Miner’s and Quisberg’s members, is retroactive to December 3, 2023. Wages became effective on May 5, 2024.
Full- and part-time workers at both companies will see wage increases with improved wage scales for all job classifications. Full-time wage increases vary from $3.50 to $5.45 at Miner’s, and full-time wage increases at Quisberg’s vary from $4.45 to $7.15. All part-time positions at both companies will see increases between $2.25 to $4.00 over the life of the contract.
Union members at Miner’s will see average wage increases of over 17 percent, and members at Quisberg’s will see average wage increases of over 21 percent. The contract also improves all full- and part-time jobs. Some of the highlights include:
• Improved paid time off and bereavement leave.
• Path for “extra employees” to become regular part-time (benefit eligible), and path for Utility/Clean Team employees to move to the part-time wage scale.
• New language ensuring store transfers are offered by seniority and, if forced, would impact the least senior employee.
“Our UFCW union member bargaining team held the line for their co-workers to improve all working conditions,” said UFCW Local 663 Secretary-Treasurer Michael LaCoste, who served as the lead union negotiator. “We know that good working conditions help to create good jobs. Good jobs bring us together and help to demonstrate what we value in our community. Our union contract is a reflection of our values and what we collectively hold in common.”
“Together, UFCW essential grocery store workers in Brainerd Lakes will continue to proudly serve neighbors, family, friends, and visitors,” LaCoste added. “The UFCW welcomes any worker that wants to build a better life together.”