Minneapolis park workers plan to file unfair labor practice lawsuit against board on fourth day of strike

The workers plan to file a lawsuit against the Minneapolis Park Board for unfair labor practices on Monday, the fourth day of their strike. The strike is already having a major impact.

The Minnesota Orchestra’s show at the Lake Harriet Bandshell had to be canceled Monday night, and other events were canceled as well.

The union claims in a statement that the parks administration is refusing to negotiate in good faith and that members of the administration have interfered with employees’ right to strike. It added that the administration’s conduct raises serious questions about its integrity.

“I don’t want to strike. I’m upset that we’re going to this extent, that they’re being so disrespectful when they ask us to strike. They’re pushing us, but at the same time they’re trying to stop every single worker from striking,” said Lanel Lane, a Parks employee.

According to a union study, Minneapolis parks employees earn $6 to $10 less than their colleagues in surrounding cities. The union therefore demanded a market adjustment of $5.

Meanwhile, the park administration said its latest offer was a 10% pay raise over the next three years, calling its proposal fair, equitable and competitive.

But employees say that is not enough.