Working at the Co-op
While the Member-Owners are the heart of our Co-op, the staff are our backbone. From receiving the food at the back door to scanning it out the front door and everything that happens in between, our staff members work hard to make it all happen. It sometimes looks easier than it is! Because this work is essential to our very existence, we greatly value our staff. We want to provide meaningful employment and compensation at a variety of skill levels. We offer a wide spectrum of job opportunities from part-time entry level work to full-time careers. We strive to hire a diverse staff, reflective of our community and our member-owners.
Compensation Philosophy
Willimantic Food Co-op’s compensation package is designed to attract, retain, and motivate employees, as well as to reward individual and group achievement of overall co-op goals and Ends. To ensure external equitability for non-entry-level positions, the co-op will annually review pay data for the Windham region from the Department of Labor. Changes to pay ranges and maximum annual raises will be assessed each year taking into consideration the change in living wage, change in the external market data, and keeping total personnel expenses below a set percentage of budgeted sales.
Living Wage
The Co-op is committed to paying a living wage, which is calculated at least annually. All entry-level employees will start at the current living wage of $18.00/hour.
Pay Raises
All staff are eligible for a raise annually, based on their performance. The co-op differentiates compensation based on ability and performance demonstrated over time. Maximum annual raise amounts are reserved for those who exceed job expectations and meet performance and group goals, with lower raise amounts for those who only meet job expectations, as determined by the annual review process. The amount of raise awarded for differing levels of performance will be publicized each year and applied consistently to all staff. Additional incentives (for example a year-end bonus) will be made available on an egalitarian basis for the achievement of department or co-op wide goals at the sole discretion of the co-op.
Paid Meal Breaks
All meal breaks are paid; length of breaks are determined by length of shift:
- 7-8 hours: 45 minutes
- 5-6.75 hours: 30 minutes
- 4-4.75 hours: 15 minutes
Staff Discount
WFC employees receive a 25% discount on almost all items in the store, including food, wellness products, and general merchandise. This discount extends to your live-in partner and dependents.
Paid Time Off
Part-time and full-time employees accrue PTO based on hours worked. Starting employees earn two weeks of PTO in the first year; accrual rates increase in year 2 and 5.
Insurance Benefits
Full-time employees (32+ hours/week) are eligible to participate in the Co-op’s affordable group medical and dental care plans. The Co-op pays 78% of an employee’s monthly premium.
Retirement Plan
A retirement plan (SIMPLE IRA) is offered to employees after one year of employment who meet certain income requirements. WFC offers a 3% match.
Training
WFC is committed to developing the skills and talents of its staff. Many of our staff who started in part-time positions have found viable careers at the Co-op. WFC endeavors to cultivate an environment of continuous learning in keeping with the fifth cooperative principle – Education, Training, and Information. Training opportunities include professional development conferences and seminars, leadership training, classes and workshops on cooperative business model, customer service and food systems.