Anoka-Hennepin Educators ‘Overwhelmingly’ Vote to Strike
The vast majority of Anoka-Hennepin School District teachers voted over the weekend to authorize a strike.
It ties back to a months-long contract dispute between the school district — which is the largest in Minnesota — and the teachers’ union.
According to a press release, 98.5 percent of Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM) members voted ‘yes’ to authorize a strike.
Union leaders say it’s a call to action.
“This vote sends a clear message,” said AHEM President John Wolhaupter. “Our educators are united, and they are asking the district to act now. A strike is not inevitable, but meaningful movement from the district is required to avoid one.”
In response, the Anoka-Hennepin School Board is holding a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22 at Sandburg Education Center in Anoka.
At that meeting, district officials will discuss how schools will operate if teachers move ahead with a strike.
Before the school board meeting begins, the union is holding an informational picket at 4:45 p.m. outside of Sandburg.
If no contract agreement is reached, union officials said the strike could start in the first full week of January.
AHEM represents about 3,000 educators in the district.
The release from AHEM says the teachers’ contract expired June 30. There have been ongoing negotiations since July.
The vast majority of Anoka-Hennepin School District teachers voted over the weekend to authorize a strike.
District Response
In response to the vote authorization, Anoka-Hennepin Schools issued a statement saying it is prepared for a mediation meeting.
“The school board remains committed to finding solutions for an employment agreement for teachers through the negotiation process,” a district spokesperson said. “Since the parties are in mediation, the only way that can happen is for the Bureau of Mediation Services to arrange this meeting.”
The school board approved an $8.1 million budget reduction at its Dec. 8 meeting, according to the district spokesperson. It’s the third phase of the district’s budget stability plan, totaling a $22.2 million budget reduction and reallocation.
In the first two phases of the plan, more than 200 administrative and central office positions were reduced for the current school year.
In a release sent after the Dec. 8 meeting, the board said its been engaged in negotiations with AHEM.
“The district is committed to the goal of improving terms and conditions for employees while working within tight budget parameters,” the release said. “Ensuring financial and operational stability for the district is a priority.”
