Kowalski's, union reach labor agreement
A long and sometimes bitter fight between Kowalski's Markets and a local labor union ended this weekend as workers validated a new agreement with management.
Kowalski's reached labor peace
Kowalski's had been at an impasse since last August with its workers, represented by UFCW Local 1189, over various issues. The union protested at Kowalski's Markets in St. Paul last December by bringing a Grinch and lumps of coal to the store. They had been negotiating since January of last year.
That dispute ended yesterday as workers "overwhelmingly voted to accept a new and improved contract offer from their employer," union rep Don Seaquist said Sunday.
Changes to the workers' contract can be found here, courtesy of the union.
Management harbors no hard feelings from the December protest or the protracted negotiations, according to Mike Oase, Kowalski's vice president of operations.
"We were able to come together last week and work through things and get to a good agreement," Oase said. "I think it's good we have an agreement. Both sides feel good about the agreement."
Previous coverage:
Kowalski's to get lump of coal from labor union
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