Minneapolis park maintenance workers will continue their strike as they seek a new contract with the city.
The strike began on Thursday, July 4, and was initially planned to last seven days. However, after a week of picketing, no agreement was reached. LIUNA Local 363, representing over 300 maintenance and seasonal workers, announced that the strike will continue indefinitely.
“We are united,” said A.J. Lang, Business Manager of LIUNA Local 363, during a rally outside the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Headquarters on Wednesday. “We have each other’s backs, organized labor has our back, the community has our back, and we will fight until we get a fair contract and the respect that we deserve.”
The union is demanding more competitive wages, better safety tools, and equitable healthcare.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), on the other hand, insists that their last offer was “very fair” and is urging the union to let its members vote on the proposal.
“A very fair offer has been proposed, and 363 leadership refuses to bring it to their members for a vote,” said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura during a meeting on Wednesday night. “Why won’t they let their members vote on it instead of unilaterally holding them to a strike?”
The offer included a 10.25% wage increase over three years for multiple positions. Current average salaries and total compensation, including healthcare, pensions, and other benefits for Local 363 positions, are as follows:
– Parkkeeper: $61,000 ($92,362 total compensation including benefits)
– Arborist: $65,000 ($97,008 total compensation)
– Horticulturist: $67,000 ($99,331 total compensation)
– Crew Leader: $81,000 ($115,592 total compensation)
– Foreman: $92,000 ($128,368 total compensation)