Minneapolis park workers' new contract approved after 3-week strike
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis park workers voted to approve a new contract after a historic 22-day strike.
LIUNA Local 363 announced earlier this month that the new contract secured "better wages and improved contract language."
The contract includes a 10.25% cost of living adjustment over three years as well as a $1.75 an hour market adjustment. By 2026, workers' wages will increase by $5.42 an hour — or over $11,000 a year — on average, according to the union.
The union says the new contract also nearly doubled guaranteed permanent positions, retained union rights for all seasonal workers and expanded contract rights around sick and bereavement leave.
"Our members' courage and resilience is truly inspiring and I'm proud to stand beside them. Their sacrifice and solidarity carried this fight," said AJ Lange, Business Manager of LIUNA Local 363.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board later approved the contract at its Aug. 7 board meeting.
"The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to move forward and continue providing great service to our park users and residents of Minneapolis. Parks are about people, and we have always counted on hard-working employees. We are glad resolution was reached and we can move forward," said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura after the union approved the contract.
Before reaching a tentative agreement in late July, the union claimed the park board was prolonging the strike, harming park workers, their families and Minneapolis residents who depend on their services.
The park board filed an unfair labor practice charge after they said picketers reportedly "harassed and blocked" truck drivers from delivering to park-owned buildings. The union filed the same charge against the board a few weeks ago, claiming the board was using misinformation to undermine the workers.
The workers are tasked with maintaining the city's parks, which are consistently ranked among the top in the nation. The union represents a little more than a third of the city's full-time and seasonal staff labor staff.
The strike included about 300 union workers and was the first-ever strike in the park system's 141-year history.