Seward Co-op will sustain a healthy community that has equitable, economic relationships.
At Seward Co-op, our focus on equitable economic relationships guides how we spend time and resources. We strive to create a culture of fairness where wealth is shared, rather than extracted.
Employee Compensation
For 12 years, Seward Co-op has committed to paying staff a living wage. We endorsed the City of Minneapolis’ $15 minimum wage ordinance before its ratification in 2017. Most of our employees are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 and are compensated based on their collective bargaining agreement. Those employees who are not part of the bargaining unit receive pay reviews each year on their anniversary date of hire. In August 2020, Seward Co-op and UFCW Local 663 members ratified a 3-year union contract. We are currently in the second year, and the minimum starting wage is $15.25. (This is above the current Minneapolis minimum wage of $14.25.) We are grateful for the hard work of all our employees and view the UFCW 663 as a partner in making Seward Co-op a great workplace.
We develop staff to help build the cooperative economy and contribute to its highest ideals. During the pandemic, training has been reduced both externally and internally. Employees took part in 70 training and development opportunities last year. Topics ranged from first aid to cultural competency.
24 employees took First Aid training
14 new managers received HR training and orientation
14 new managers took the Intercultural Developmental Inventory and received cultural competency training
5 managers from perishable departments attended Focus on Fresh conference virtually
Several managers attended the Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) conference virtually
Invest in Inclusively Owned Businesses
Nixta Minneapolis is a local, inclusively owned takeout restaurant and tortilleria. They are also a new Community Foods producer at Seward Co-op.
Support Sustainable, Woman-Owned Agriculture
Seeds Farm was founded in 2010 by Becca Carlson (she/her) on a half-acre of family land. Now in their twelfth growing season, they provide vegetables for food co-ops, restaurants, distributors, cafeterias, public schools, and food shelves.
Keep Local, Cooperative Farms Thriving
Wisconsin Growers Co-op was founded in 2006 to help 20 families maintain ownership of their farms. Its members are dedicated to the idea that if farmers take “good care of the soil, the soil will pay back with high-quality produce.” Since then, they have grown to include 36 family farms tending varying sized plots.
Nourish offers an accessible entry point to co-op shopping that guides community members to simple, healthy eating. We make this real by a needs-based co-op ownership option, affordable pantry staples and free, scratch-cooking classes. All Seward Co-op owners who have financial need may also apply for our needs-based discount. Visit Customer Service to apply.
