Minneapolis park workers’ strike sparks war of words, cancellations

Many Minneapolis parks workers have been on strike for seven days due to stalled contract negotiations.

On Monday, LIUNA 363 union filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, claiming the board tried to intimidate employees who planned to strike and threatened to prevent them from returning to work.

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“They are being threatened with losing their jobs, they are being threatened with demotion or having their seniority taken away… and they are also being told that they will not be allowed to return to work until the strike is resolved and the contract is ratified, which is illegal,” said AJ Lange of LIUNA 363.

A spokesperson for the board shared information that was sent to employees Monday afternoon. He said: “The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board has been notified that striking Local 363 employees plan to return to work on Thursday, July 11. The MPRB will accommodate all striking employees on Thursday. No employees who have struck will be turned away.”

The two sides have been negotiating the terms of a pay increase for seven months.

RELATED:Minneapolis park workers strike to demand better wages and benefits

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Orchestra canceled three concerts at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in solidarity with striking workers.