Park workers’ strike in Minneapolis leads to verbal battles and some cancellations

Many park workers in Minneapolis are in the middle of a seven-day strike because of stalled collective bargaining negotiations.

On Monday, the LIUNA 363 union filed an unfair labor practice lawsuit against the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, alleging that the board attempted to intimidate striking employees and threatened to bar them from returning to work.

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

“They threatened them with job loss, demotion or loss of seniority rights … and also told them that they would not be allowed to return to work until the strike was over and the collective agreement was ratified, which is illegal,” said AJ Lange of LIUNA 363.

A spokesperson for the board shared information sent to employees Monday afternoon, which read: “The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has been informed that striking Local 363 employees plan to return to work on Thursday, July 11. The MPRB will welcome all striking employees back on Thursday. No employee who has gone on strike will be turned away.”

Both sides have been negotiating the terms of a salary increase for seven months.

RELATED: Park workers in Minneapolis go on strike and demand better wages and benefits

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Orchestra has canceled three concerts at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in solidarity with the striking workers.