St. Paul city workers unanimously vote to authorize strike

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Workers with the city of St. Paul unanimously voted to authorize a strike.

On Wednesday, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 announced the strike authorization by St. Paul public works, parks, sewer and water employees.

The employees are represented by IUOE Local 49, Teamsters 120 and Laborers 363.

"Mayor Carter, your critical frontline workers are underpaid," Local 49 Business Manager Jason George said. "They hear you applaud their work, now they need to see you pay them what they are worth and what they have earned. A budget is about priorities — you need to show these workers they are a priority."

Members could strike as early as March 20 if negotiations break down or a contract is not agreed upon. 

"The extreme weather we've experienced these past several weeks has strongly underscored the value our public workers provide to our community," St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said. "We will continue to negotiate with urgency, and good faith in our ability to reach a positive resolution together."