AFSCME negotiators reached a tentative contract agreement with Hennepin County at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. The deal impacts nearly 4,000 AFSCME members from six locals: 34 (social services), 552 (probation/parole), 1719 (corrections), 2822 (clerical), 2864 (professionals), and 2938 (legal). The union’s Master Committee is reviewing the tentative agreement and will meet Monday, Nov. 23 to make a recommendation on the deal. The Table Team will advise the committee to recommend that members vote to accept the deal. Details of the tentative agreement and voting process will be posted here soon after the Master Committee meets.

AFSCME members display solidarity signs

Signs on office cubicles throughout the Government Center sent bosses a clear message: We’re doing our part!

Wearing green for solidarityChris Cowen helped Local 34’s Cathy Cowden “go green” for the County Board’s budget hearing on Nov. 16. Commissioners McLaughlin and Stenglein also wore green as a show of solidarity on negotiation day.

AFSCME members pack budget hearingsThe budget hearing was packed with 56 AFSCME members who came to show commissioners that county employees are the county’s greatest asset.

To reduce layoffs and save vital services, we must continue flexing our muscle at county budget hearings. If we can persuade commissioners to set the maximum levy, the county will raise $35 million in new revenue.
 

To volunteer, contact Chris Cowen at chris.cowen@afscmemn.org or 651-287-0531. It’s important to pack these hearings, even though we’ve already reached a tentative contract agreement.