Park workers in Minneapolis vote for strike

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board employees voted to strike Tuesday night.

About 94% of the votes cast were in favor of authorizing a strike.

“Our members have reached a breaking point after years of disrespect and neglect by the parks administration. Despite our endless hard work, skill and dedication that make Minneapolis’ parks the best in the country, the administration continues to treat us with contempt,” said union executive director AJ Lange.

The union LIUNA Local 363, which represents more than 200 park management employees, is fighting for fair and competitive wages, worker protections, cheaper health insurance and simplified grievance procedures, among other things.

“We demand that the park administration treat us with respect. We expect a fair contract that ensures the dignity, well-being and future of the workers,” Lange added.

According to the union, management is trying to eliminate procedures that “ensure fairness and prevent bias and discrimination.” It also wants to expand the power of managers, reduce overtime opportunities and introduce part-time schedules with indefinite working hours for seasonal workers.

The union will return to mediation on Thursday and has the authority to announce a strike “if no significant progress is made toward a fair contract.”

WCCO has reached out to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for comment.