According to a news release, Kanabec County received notification on Wednesday that the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local #363, representing the county's Family Services staff, have communicated their notice of intent to strike beginning May 2.
The notice triggers a mandatory 10-day cooling off period during which additional mediation with the Bureau of Mediation Services is anticipated, according to County Administrator Kris McNally.
The release states that, in the interim, Kanabec County has been actively engaged in contingency planning to maintain critical services for Kanabec County residents. Non-union staff and supervisors will work with the Department of Human Services to ensure financial support programs, social service responses, and essential family service functions continue to be delivered.
More information will become available should a strike occur.
Kanabec County statement:
On April 19, 2023 Kanabec County received notification that Laborers’ International Union of North America Local #363, representing Family Services staff, have communicated their notice of intent to strike beginning May 2, 2023. This notice triggers a mandatory 10-day cooling off period during which we anticipate additional mediation with the Bureau of Mediation Services.
The County has negotiated in good faith with Laborers’ International Union of North America Local #363 and has offered a wage and benefit package consistent with what it has settled with our other bargaining units for 2023-2024, which recognizes the contributions of staff while balancing the needs of Kanabec County taxpayers. We are disappointed that this group has not accepted the wages and benefits that other union groups have accepted.
In the interim, Kanabec County has been actively engaged in contingency planning to maintain critical services for our Kanabec County citizens. Non-union staff and supervisors will work closely with the Department of Human Services to ensure financial support programs, social service responses, and essential family service functions continue to be delivered. Should a strike occur, more information will be posted on the Kanabec County website located at www.kanabeccounty.org.
We remain hopeful that a strike can be averted and a contract agreement can be reached that is both fair to our employees and fair to our citizens.
LIUNA #363 statement:
Yesterday, public employees of the Kanabec County Family Services Department voted to authorize a strike. The unit represents more than 40 workers represented by LIUNA Local 363. The union filed a strike notice and could walk off the job as early as May 2.
AJ Lange, Business Manager of LIUNA Local 363 said, “Throughout unprecedented times, our members showed up every day to serve their communities with pride and commitment, ensuring that the most vulnerable residents of Kanabec County have access to food, health services, and other basic necessities. Our members have continued to work on the frontline providing crucial services for families and individuals who are often most at risk and impacted by mental illness, food insecurity, chemical dependency, abuse, and neglect.
While inflation has reached historic levels, our members are struggling to pay their bills. They deserve a raise that allows them to provide for their families. We are continuing the fight for a fair contract that will benefit our members and our community. We ask our friends and neighbors from Kanabec County to contact your county commissioners to tell them to give our members a raise that is comparable to nearby counties.”
Union members voted down the employer’s best and final offer, which included insufficient wage offers, PTO concessions, and takebacks. The latest offer was unacceptable to workers, who say the County’s model of low wages, high workloads, and high turnover is unsustainable. It places an undue burden on Family Services Employees and the county residents who rely on the services they provide. Nearby counties such as Aitkin, Mille Lacs, and Isanti pay $3-$5 more per hour for the same work. Some former union members have made the difficult decision to leave Kanabec County for similar jobs in neighboring counties, which also provided a reduced workload, good benefits and higher wages. The union has been negotiating a new contract since September 2022.
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