Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, union members agree to 2-year contract
UPDATE: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board employees have voted to officially accept a new two-year contract.
Leaders with LIUNA Local 363, the union representing the workers, announced the news Wednesday night.
“The front-line workers of the Park Board have kept public spaces and parks facilities functioning during some of the most challenging crises we have endured,” AJ Lange, the LIUNA Local 363 business manager, said in a statement. “It is encouraging that the Board has begun to recognize workers’ sacrifices in this final agreement, and more needs to be done to ensure that Park Board employees receive the respect and dignity they deserve. While we did not get everything we wanted, we managed to secure important worker protections.”
The union said the new deal includes a nearly 5% wage increase over the next two years, more longevity benefits and additional paid holidays.
MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura shared the following statement Thursday:
“I appreciate the commitment and efforts of the negotiating team and the ongoing work and dedication of #363 members. I am grateful every day for the amazing work done by #363 members and employees throughout the organization, to provide park services, amenities and programs that are important to the communities we all serve.”
Members of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and leaders of Local Union #363 have reached a new contract agreement, board officials announced Friday morning.
Both sides agreed to terms on the tentative two-year agreement this past Wednesday, and leaders with LIUNA Local 363 said negotiations had been happening for seven months.
Park Board Superintendent Al Bangoura issued this statement after the deal was reached:
“I care deeply about the employees of this organization and the important services Local 363 members, and all park employees, provide to residents and park visitors. I respect the passion and dedication of our employees and I appreciate the commitment demonstrated by everyone involved in the negotiations. We believe the most important concerns are addressed in the contract.”
– Al Bangoura
According to the MPRB and union leaders, the tentative agreement will be voted on by union members on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
LIUNA officials say the contract includes a wage increase of nearly 5% during the next two years, expanded longevity benefits and additional paid holidays.
The union represents more than 200 people.
Leaders of LIUNA Local 363 released the following statement regarding the tentative deal Thursday afternoon:
“Our members absolutely deserve more, but we are confident this is the fairest contract we can negotiate for our members right now. Our negotiating committee did everything in our power to bring back a tentative agreement that gives Parks employees the respect and dignity they rightfully deserve. We didn’t get everything we wanted, but we secured important worker protections that were under attack. We are committed to fighting for our members as we move forward. I am profoundly grateful to the negotiating team, strike committee, and all of our members who worked so hard to get us to this point.”
– AJ Lange, Business Manager of LIUNA Local 363