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Cub Foods, Kowalski's give employees a raise during COVID-19 outbreak

The workers union is also asking Gov. Walz to classify store workers as 'Tier 1' employees.
Credit: KARE
Cub Foods

MINNEAPOLIS — As people flood local groceries stores to stock up on food and supplies, employees have been given a raise at two local chains. 

According to the Star Tribune, Kowalski's and Cub Foods are giving their employees a $2 raise and double-time pay for overtime hours. Cub stores made the pay increase retroactive to last Sunday, and will carry through April 11, the Star Tribune reports.

As grocery store workers continue to have consistent interactions with the public, the union representing them is asking Gov. Tim Walz to classify grocery stores workers as Tier 1 critical responders.  

In a statement to KARE 11, UFCW Local 663 President Matt Utecht said, “Our grocery store members are on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19. As such, they should be protected as other first responders. Our members provide essential services to Minnesotans. This would qualify retail grocery members to the same level of benefits and protections the current list of Tier 1 “critical first responders” receive and includes mandated day care available from local schools.”

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Grocery workers in Minnesota are now considered "essential tier 2 workers" following an emergency declaration from Gov. Walz, which means that school districts have to provide childcare for grocery workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

RELATED: Facts not fear: What the Midwest should know about coronavirus

The state of Minnesota has set up a hotline for general questions about coronavirus at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

KARE 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit kare11.com/coronavirus for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about the Midwest specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 763-797-7215. And get the latest coronavirus updates sent right to your inbox every morning. Subscribe to the KARE 11 Sunrise newsletter here. Help local families in need: www.kare11.com/give11

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