Mississippi Market Co-Op workers form their union with UFCW 1189!

On September 19, workers at all three Mississippi Market locations in Saint Paul approached their store managers and informed them that they have formed a union with UFCW Local 1189, and asked management to choose to recognize the union. The workers at the stores located on Selby Avenue, West 7th Street, and East 7th Street hope that management will choose to support the employees in their decision and begin to bargain for a contract that is fair to all parties.

The workers cited unpredictable schedules, unrealistic attendance policies, and inconsistent management as reasons for forming a union. Rowan Garrigan, a worker at the West Selby location, said:

“The best part of my job are my coworkers. We have an amazing team of interesting and talented people who deserve the best our community can offer. I believe in my heart that a union is the best way we can achieve that.”

The company has refused the workers request for voluntary recognition. The workers hope leadership with be respectful leading up to the election. 

UFCW Local 1189 has offices in South Saint Paul and Duluth and represents over 6,000 grocery store workers in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, including the workers at the Wedge Co-Op in Minneapolis, River Market Co-Op in Stillwater, and Whole Foods Co-Op in Duluth. They also represent workers in health care, food processing, cannabis, and other retail.