Negotiations Stall, More Than 300 Minneapolis Park Employees Launch July 4th Strike
Minneapolis, MN — Following seven months of unsuccessful contract negotiations, AJ Lange, Business Manager of LIUNA Local 363, announced today that Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) employees will begin a week-long strike action on July 4.
"Despite our best efforts to negotiate in good faith, the Park Board has failed to offer a fair deal addressing worker safety, competitive wages, and affordable healthcare," stated Lange. "Our members, who take immense pride in maintaining the nation's top-ranked park system, are forced to withdraw their labor to fight for fair treatment."
The strike will impact park services during Independence Day, traditionally one of the busiest periods for the park system. Lange emphasized, "This decision wasn't made lightly. We understand the inconvenience to the community, but we cannot accept unfair treatment that undermines the dignity of our work and the quality of our parks.”
On June 18, Local 363 members voted 94% in favor of authorizing a strike. The most recent negotiation session on Monday extended past midnight, with no resolution reached. The Park Board's last offer still contains numerous concessions that the union deems harmful to workers.
"The MPRB needs to come back to the table today. End anti-worker attacks on our contract and provide us with a fair offer that respects the skill and dedication of our members," Lange urged. "The MPRB must take this seriously and not turn their backs on our negotiations, workers and parks. The power to avoid a strike is their hands.”
It is crucial that both parties return to negotiations, reach a fair agreement, and ensure that workers can continue maintaining the clean, safe, and enjoyable parks our community relies on. Local 363 remains committed to good-faith bargaining and believes avoiding a strike is in the best interest of both workers and Minneapolis residents.
The union has established a Hardship Fund to support members during the strike. Community members can contribute online at https://workingpartnerships.betterworld.org/campaigns/local-363.
For information on strike locations and times, visit liunaminnesota.org/local363 or follow @LIUNAMinnesota, @CityEmployeesLocal363, or @laborers363 on social media.
