Workers at Vertical Endeavors in Minnesota ratified their first contract on Sept. 11, officially joining UFCW Locals 663 and 1189. The contract covers 96 workers between climbing gyms in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington and Duluth. The workers became the first climbing gym unit to join our union in 2023.
The three-year agreement includes an average of 16.67 percent wage increases over the life of the contract, paid time off (PTO) for part-timers, and a minimum of 36 scheduled hours per week for full-timers.
“PTO for part-timers is huge,” said Isaac Harris, a worker from Vertical Endeavors in St. Paul. “I am a part-time worker. It used to be difficult to afford to take time off. Because of organizing, and especially because of the gym members that supported us, I can take the time off that I need and still get paid.”
“We formed our union because we didn’t want to wait any longer for more pay, or for more respect at work,” said Esthi Erickson, who works at Vertical Endeavors in Minneapolis. “We won the improvements we cared about by fighting for them.”
“These workers chose to prioritize improvements for everyone, regardless of status, location, or job class, and their solidarity and determination paid off,” said UFCW Local 1189 President Adam J Evenstad.
“We’re proud to welcome Vertical Endeavors workers into the UFCW,” said UFCW Local 663 President Rena Wong. “When we organize, we lift up the standards for all workers in Minnesota because every job should mean dignity, respect and a voice at work.”