As a result of workers’ organizing efforts with CTUL over the past year and a half, we have seen positive change in the retail cleaning industry. Workers in the industry have reported that they have gotten a pay increase after years of decreasing wages. The retail cleaning industry has also become more consolidated, providing a unique opportunity to seek positive change elsewhere.
As many of you know, CTUL has been engaged in a lawsuit with SUPERVALU INC., Jerry’s Enterprises, Inc., and Diamond Lake LLC 1994 (“Plaintiffs” in the lawsuit), which own or operate Cub Foods stores. In the process, we have come to recognize that we are unaware of any instances in which Plaintiffs have actually violated any law, and we regret any statements or suggestions to the contrary. We also now understand that Cub Foods is committed to using contractors that abide by federal and state law, including the National Labor Relations Act and the Minnesota Labor Relations Act. In addition, we know that Cub Foods stores draw a large percentage of its workers from local communities, including communities of color and immigrant communities, most of whom are themselves union members.
In light of the above, CTUL and Plaintiffs have come to an agreement to move forward in a mutually beneficial way. CTUL has agreed permanently to end the campaign against Plaintiffs, and CTUL urges all of its members and allies to do the same. CTUL has also agreed to a permanent injunction prohibiting certain activities, including in-store demonstrations, on terms based on the Court’s July 18 Temporary Injunction Order posted on our website. At the same time, Plaintiffs have agreed to end the lawsuit against CTUL and its organizers. As we put the campaign against Plaintiffs completely behind us, we open the door to a new phase of the Campaign for Justice in Retail Cleaning elsewhere.
Click here for a copy of the Order for a Permanent Injunction
