City of Duluth AFSCME workers asking for fair wages and contracts

On December 11th, the AFSCME Local 66 workers from the City of Duluth held a press conference about an authorization to strike. The union has been negotiating fairer wages and better working conditions for their workers.

Wendy Wohlwend, the Local 66th AFSCME President, says Mayor Roger Reinert acknowledged their fact-based data. According to Wohlwend, AFSCME wants to negotiate an 8%-12% market-adjusted raise in wages that would be needed to better retain AFSCME workers.

“On November 26th, the city walked away from mediation discussions. Leaving our union that represents 500 city workers with an offer that is inadequate and insulting to workers who provide the core services the city depends on. We are your snow plow drivers, utility operators, library staff, water plant operators, and many more,” Wohlwend said. “We are being asked to do far more with much less and while wages fail to reflect our value. Today we are facing a proposal of just 1% in one year, and 6% over the three years while the city demands concessions that would strip our workers of dignity.”

Shawn Eastman, Chair of the Negotiation Team and AFSCME Union Steward, says retention of union workers is also a critical issue. Eastman says the City is demanding longer hours because there are fewer employees willing to work for lower wages.

“Two years ago, the city found the resources to raise police wages. Last year, firefighters followed. Supervisors received significant adjustments. But now, when it’s our turn, the city turns its back on us,” Eastmand said. “We’re not asking for anything outrageous. We’re asking for what’s fair. Wages that reflect the critical work we do and the promises made to us. A full market adjustment isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s essential to recruiting and retaining the workers who keep this city moving forward.”

Duluth City Councilor Mike Mayou, while not on the City’s negotiation board, was present to hear workers frustrations. The City of Duluth has until the end of December before contracts with AFSCME end. A strike could potentially begin as early as January 2nd.

“Now that this authorization has been set, we’re looking at mid-January for when that strike could potentially start. That means that there is a timeline that needs to start moving right now,” Councilor Mayou said. “Many city services are reliant upon these workers. So it’s essential that we get them the dignity and respect that they need.”

The City of Duluth offers the following in response to the press conference held earlier today by AFSME:

• The City recognizes that this is another step in a long process that began July 22. AFSCME and The City have been at the table for nearly five months and remains at the table.
• The City and AFSCME participated in almost 14 hours of mediation with the State Bureau of Mediation Services on November 26. The Union and the City were both released from mediation by the Bureau following the City’s submission of a Settlement Proposal.
• The City recognizes the next mediation session with the State Bureau of Mediation Services is already scheduled for January 6th. We look forward to continuing this process with the Union.
• The City has offered additional compensation increases which range, over the course of the three-year contract, from 13.5% for all unit members up to 21.5% for eligible unit members.

For more information about AFSCME you can read more here. Also for other stories happening in Duluth you can read more here.