Contract negotiations break down between Chisago County and its employees
Talks between employees of Chisago County, Minnesota, and county officials broke down early Saturday as a weekslong strike continues.
In a statement released Saturday, the union representing the county's employees alleges the county "repeatedly stalled discussion and continued moving the goal posts rather than working toward a meaningful resolution."
"Once again, the union's negotiating committee worked to be creative, answered every question the county had, explored every option, and turned over every stone to find a path to end this strike," said Amy Perusse, a business agent for Teamsters 320.
County administrator Chase Burnham told WCCO the latest bargaining session lasted 18 hours, wrapping up Saturday at 3 a.m. to no avail.
"Although this session did not result in a final agreement, the county believes continued dialogue is the best path forward and remains hopeful that progress can continue in future sessions," Burnham said.
Nearly 170 employees went on strike earlier this month, telling WCCO at the time it's over their health insurance premiums. According to a press release from the union, employees want to leave the county health insurance plan and transition to a union health plan.
Burnham says the union hasn't presented any proposals since early April, and claims two "alternate proposals" made in early May were met with silence.
"While the county believes remaining on the county's health insurance plan provides the best overall value for employees, it has also negotiated contributions to the Teamsters health plan and funding through a health reimbursement account (HRA)," Burnham said. "We are hopeful that this will result in an end to the strike."
Negotiations between the two sides have been taking place since October 2025.
Strikers say they will take the weekend off before returning to the picket line on Tuesday.