The union representing 28,000 employees across Michigan, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951, says they’re preparing to start contract negotiations with Meijer.
John Cakmakci, UFCW 951 president says the issues they’re focused on are significant wage increases, additional paid time off, and an affordable medical plan.
“As we begin negotiations, we have made it very clear to Meijer we want a strong contract for our members. Our members, as essential workers, have endured a lot over the past three years and believe it is now their turn to share in the healthy profits their employer recorded during, and following, the pandemic.”
UFCW 951 says it represents more than 28,000 workers across Michigan in a variety of industries including grocery, retail, food processing, pharmacy, and cannabis, who are employed at a variety of companies including Meijer, Kroger, Rite Aid, JBS, JLL, Knouse Foods, Polly’s, Harding’s, Heritage Provisioning, and Grandville Roasting & Packaging Plant.
“Workers across the country, in a wide variety of industries, are taking a stand and demanding the wages, benefits, and working conditions they deserve, and our members are no exception,” said Cakmakci.
Contract bargaining for a new deal begins on October 11 at UFCW 951 headquarters in Kentwood, MI.
Meijer, the Grand Rapids-based retailer, operates more than 500 supercenters, Meijer Grocery, neighborhood markets and Express locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
