MINNEAPOLIS — Negotiations could resume after the union representing more than 300 Minneapolis park workers said it would present a counteroffer to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's last proposal.
MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura released a statement Friday urging the union to present a "substantial and meaningful counteroffer" by Monday, July 15 so that both sides can return to the negotiation table. In response, A.J. Lang, the business manager for LIUNA Local 363, said the union intends to present a counteroffer and continue discussions after nine days of being on strike.
"We welcome Superintendent Bangoura's readiness to resume negotiations," said Lange in a statement. "We look forward to presenting our counteroffer and constructive dialogue at the bargaining table to swiftly resolve this strike. This is a step in the right direction. Our commitment remains firm: to secure a fair contract that truly values our members' dedication to Minneapolis' best-in-the-nation parks and get back to serving our community."
The workers went on strike on July 4 after the union rejected the MPRB's final offer. The strike was intended to last just seven days, but on Wednesday night, union leaders announced the strike would continue until they get a "fair" offer.
The MPRB claims its final offer was "very fair," and continues to call on the union to allow its members to vote on the proposal.
“The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) made 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 17-18. To date, Local 363 leadership has refused to take the MPRB’s last, best, and final offer to their membership for a vote," said Bangoura in a statement on Friday. "To break this stalemate, resolve this contract, and work toward providing relief to workers and community, the MPRB requests that Local 363 provide a substantial and meaningful counteroffer to the MPRB’s last, best, and final offer by noon Monday, July 15 to the BMS. Once received, the MPRB is happy to resume mediated negotiations with Local 363 at the BMS.”
The MPRB's last offer included a 10.25% wage increase over three years for multiple positions. Prior to that proposal, current average salaries and total compensation, including healthcare, pensions and other benefits for Local 363 positions include:
- Parkkeeper $61,000 ($92,362 total compensation including benefits)
- Arborist $65,000 ($97,008 total compensation)
- Horticulturist $67,000 ($99,331 total compensation)
- Crew Leader $81,000 ($115,592 total compensation)
- Foreman $92,000 ($128,368 total compensation)