Hennepin County Workers (MN) file Notice to Strike

More than 3,500 social service and clerical workers for Hennepin County say they will go on strike in 10 days unless the county agrees to higher wages, hazard pay and better protections against COVID-19. The workers represented by AFSCME Locals 34 and 2822 filed their notice with the Bureau of Mediation Services.

“Many of us are working two to three jobs and are still not able to afford housing in the county. Still others are on or eligible for welfare while working for the County! A 2.5% wage increase with inflation going up 7% is completely unacceptable. We care about the people we serve, but we need to be able to survive ourselves. Respect and fair wages mean great service to the community,” stated AFSCME Local 2822 President Ali Fuhrman, clerical worker at the Downtown Minneapolis Library. “We call on the county to take us seriously now, and make a real offer that our members can accept.”

AFSCME Locals 34 and 2822 have rejected Hennepin County’s latest labor contract offer. The County is attempting to stagnate wages, pass business costs on to employees, and is blatantly ignoring COVID risks employees are enduring during the pandemic. AFSCME Local 34 and Local 2822 members include social workers, human services representatives, service center representatives, and library workers.