Striking Minneapolis park employees interrupt park board meeting Wednesday evening

Minneapolis park workers who've been on strike since July 4th demonstrated for three hours at a Minneapolis Park Board meeting Wednesday night, prompting the board to adjourn before it was able to make any progress on their meeting agenda.

As the meeting began, commissioners Becky Alper and Tom Olsen, tried amending the agenda to include a resolution directing park managers to settle with workers represented by LIUNA Local 363.

“This resolution is not just a matter of policy, it’s a testament to our shared values and commitment to our community,“ Alper said. “Today we face a unique challenge. This is the first park worker strike in 141 years.
This unprecedented situation diverts our attention from our primary mission.”

That amendment was voted down prompting strong reaction from park workers seated in the gallery.

Disruptions continued throughout the meeting as commissioners attempted to move to other items on their agenda, with commissioners ultimately adjourning the meeting at 8 p.m. without taking any action on agenda items.

The MPRB says a July 16th offer to Local 363 provides a 10.25 percent raise over three years, a $1.75 wage adjustment over two years for 13 job titles, and contract language changes.

Union members said Wednesday night they believe the park board is attempting to break the strike instead of settling it. Members are expected to deliver a “no confidence petition” to the board on Thursday as the strike continues.