DULUTH, Minn. — After a 5-day strike and a significant snow event that forced replacements into action, the union plow drivers and St. Louis County struck a deal and on Monday evening, Teamsters 320 ratified the tentative agreement with the St. Louis County administration 133-0.
According to the Teamsters 320 Facebook page, the agreement will provide an increase in wages — 2% this year, and 2.25% in 2021 and 2022. It also provides better health and welfare plans, which include dental and vision.
“The agreement that was ratified tonight is groundbreaking for St. Louis County employees,” says Brian Aldes, Teamsters Local 320 Secretary Treasurer and Principal Officer in the post. “The vacation accrual has been standardized for all bargaining unit employees and sick leave accruals have been increased.”
The plow drivers had been on strike for most of last week, including during a weekend snow event, after not being able to resolve contract issues.
“The team deserves all the credit for negotiating an excellent round of contract negotiations,” said Skoog. “I’m also proud that not one Teamster crossed the picket line.”
Department supervisors and other city employees trained and certified to operate plows stepped in to clear St. Louis County roads during negotiations. .
