Union Representing Hennepin Co. Workers Files Intent To Strike
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A union representing thousands of Hennepin County workers has filed notice of intent to strike.
The workers represented by AFSCME Locals 34 and 2822 filed their notice with the Bureau of Mediation Services.
The two chapters represent more than 3,500 workers -- including social workers, nurses, legal secretaries, dental hygienists, community health workers, and other representatives.
Minnesota AFSCME executive director Julie Bleyhl said that the workers are calling "for dignity and respect and their work to be truly valued."
Bleyhl said that the county has not met the needs of the workers AFSCME represents.
The county administrator, David J. Hough, released a statement Tuesday saying that Locals 34 and 2822 turned down the same offer that was ratified by five other AFSCME locals last month.
"The county is disappointed in today's failed session, particularly because the mediator scheduled the session based on the union's representation that they (the union) were ready to make significant movement toward settlement," Hough said. "The county is working on contingency plans to ensure critical services for residents, businesses and visitors will continue in the event of a strike."