Anoka-Hennepin Teachers To Vote on Possible Strike
Teachers in Minnesota’s largest school district may go on strike.
Educators represented by Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM) will vote on a potential strike this week.
The vote runs from Wednesday through Saturday at polling places in Coon Rapids and Brooklyn Park.
Contract negotiations for the more than 3,000 Anoka-Hennepin district teachers represented by the union have been ongoing since the summer.
According to union leaders, more than 90 percent of AHEM’s members signed a pledge saying they would vote to strike if it’s necessary.
“We urge you to settle our contract without asking educators to take a pay cut,” said John Wolhaupter, president of AHEM at the Dec. 8 Anoka-Hennepin School Board meeting. “This is not a step we take lightly. A strike is a last resort, something none of us want but it could be the only way for teachers to show how serious this situation is to us.”
Other teachers that spoke during the meeting said they are concerned with increases to health care and insurance costs.
“I know countless colleagues who are in financial distress because of the cost of insurance,” said teacher Laura Bratland. “Many will have to and are leaving this district because they cannot afford to stay. My question is, who will replace us?”
In a press release, union officials said the district’s current contract proposals would result in insurance premium increases that average between $95 to $400 per paycheck.
Members of Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota will consider a strike at the ballot box this week.
District Response
A spokesperson for the district noted that Anoka-Hennepin Schools has settled nine of its 13 bargaining agreements with its employees.
“The School Board appreciates the important role teachers serve and has been actively engaged in negotiations since July and is focused on finalizing an employment agreement for teachers,” said a spokesperson for Anoka-Hennepin Schools. “The negotiation process has included eight meetings to date, with five meetings held prior to entering mediation in November and December. Because this process is currently in mediation, the details of proposals for increased pay and benefits are not public and cannot be shared by law. The district is committed to the goal of improving terms and conditions for employees while working within tight budget parameters.”
The school board has scheduled a special meeting for Monday to discuss a resolution that would establish expectations for students and staff during a strike.
Meanwhile, another mediation session is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 2.
