Correcting the Record: Cub Midway Closure

A message from President Adam Evenstad:

I want to speak to UFCW 1189 members at Cub Foods directly and honestly about the recent announcement regarding the closure of the Midway store.

Many of our members have heard from company management in recent meetings that “everyone will have a home.”  I need members to know that, unfortunately, this statement is misleading. In my direct conversations with Cub Foods’ leadership, they have made it clear that their actual intent is to reduce the number of bargaining unit jobs in our jurisdiction by over 60 positions. That is the truth.

What’s even more troubling is the company’s internal memo stating they had already communicated with the union about the closure. That memo was written before they actually informed us, and that notice was given to us only an hour and a half before the first meetings were scheduled. Let me be clear, we were not involved in planning these communications, and we were not given the opportunity to advocate for you before the company began spreading half-truths and false reassurances.

This is not how we treat people. And it’s certainly not how this union treats its members.

I gave Cub Foods until the end of the day today to correct the record. They did not, and continue to misrepresent their plans and our role.  I will not hesitate to publicly clarify the facts and hold them accountable.

We are already working hard to protect and place every member affected by this closure. For the 52 members who have layoff protection, we will enforce those rights to the letter. For those without those protections, we are pushing for placement opportunities across all UNFI facilities where we represent members, and we will not stop fighting until every possible pathway is explored.

Our members deserve honesty. Our members deserve respect. And our members deserve the full strength of their union behind them. That is what they will get from us every step of the way.