Minneapolis Park Workers Consider Filing Unfair Labor Practice Suit Against Council as Strike Enters 4th Day

Workers plan to file an unfair labor practice lawsuit against the Minneapolis Park Board on Monday, marking the fourth day of a strike by park workers. The strike is starting to have a broader impact.

The Minnesota Orchestra’s performance at the Lake Harriet Bandshell was forced to cancel its show Monday night, and other events have also been canceled.

The union said in a statement that the park board is refusing to negotiate in good faith and that board members have obstructed employees’ right to participate in a strike. It added that the board’s behavior raises serious questions about its integrity.

“I don’t want to strike. I’m upset that we’re going this far, that they’re being so disrespectful to ask us to strike. They’re pushing us but at the same time they’re trying to scare every worker from striking,” said Lanel Lane, a Parks employee.

A union study claims Minneapolis Parks employees earn $6 to $10 less than their counterparts in surrounding cities, leading the union to demand a $5 market adjustment.

Meanwhile, the Park Board says its final offer is a 10 percent wage increase over the next three years, calling its proposal fair, equitable and competitive.

But workers say that’s not enough.