Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board issues response to strike notice and asks for counteroffer

After workers decided to continue the strike, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) released a statement in response.

The statement was sent Friday in response to the decision by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board employees, represented by LiUNA Local 363, to extend their strike after originally planning to return to work on Thursday.

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

In his statement, MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura released the following statement calling on Local 363 to submit a counteroffer:

“The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) presented its last, best, and final offer to Local 363 during mediated contract negotiations at the Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS) on July 1. Local 363 began its strike on July 4 after voting to authorize a strike on June 17 and 18.

To date, Local 363 leadership has refused to put the MPRB’s last, best, and final offer to its members for a vote.

In order to end this impasse, resolve this contract, and work toward relief for workers and the community, the MPRB is requesting that Local 363 submit a substantive and meaningful counteroffer to the MPRB’s last, best, and final offer to the BMS by noon on Monday, July 15. Upon receipt, the MPRB will be happy to resume mediation negotiations with Local 363 at the BMS.”

Al Bangoura, MPRB Superintendent

On July 1, the MPRB presented its “final” offer to union members. The offer included a 10.25% wage increase over three years and additional market adjustments for 13 positions, affecting 178 workers.

Park workers who maintain Minneapolis’ parks, recreation centers and golf courses are demanding a $5-an-hour pay increase to more closely match market wages, as well as more benefits and better working conditions.

The statement comes after reports said there was no progress in negotiations last week.

The union members began their strike on July 4, one of the busiest days in Minneapolis parks. In addition, LIUNA Local 363 filed an unfair labor practice lawsuit against the MPRB earlier this week, claiming that board members interfered with employees’ right to participate in the strike.