MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis park workers approved a new contract Thursday, seemingly ending a contentious dispute between the workers' union and the park board.
Workers with LIUNA Local 363, which represents more than 300 full-time and seasonal workers, voted "overwhelmingly" to approve the new contract. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is now expected to approve the contract at its Aug. 7 meeting, closing the book on a strike that spanned 22 days.
"Our members' sacrifices and solidarity yielded more than improved wages and benefits," said Business Manager of LIUNA Local 363 A.J. Lange in a statement. "We reaffirmed that Minneapolis is a union town. This victory extends beyond our union, demonstrating the power of working people when they stand united."
According to a press release from a spokesperson for the union, the new contract includes a 10.25% wage increase over the next three years and a $1.75 market adjustment for most job titles.
"Our members' courage and resilience is truly inspiring and I'm, proud to stand beside them," Lange said. "Their sacrifice and solidarity carried this fight."
The union says the new contract also includes expanded rights around sick and bereavement leave, as well as protected fair overtime distribution.
“The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is excited to move forward and continue providing great service to our park users and residents of Minneapolis," said MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura in a statement. "Parks are about people, and we have always counted on hard working employees. We are glad resolution was reached and we can move forward."
