DULUTH, Minn. — The largest union representing Duluth city employees has voted to authorize a strike after a contract offer that fell short of union members’ needs. AFSCME Local 66 represents over 500 Duluth city workers, including library workers, utility staff, gas and water maintenance, snowplow drivers, inspectors, police records staff, and many others.
Senator Jen McEwen (DFL-Duluth), Chair of the Minnesota Senate Labor Committee, shared the following statement:
“The workers of AFSCME Local 66 make Duluth the great city we know and love, providing the core functions that make our city run. In a strong union town like Duluth, city employees should not have to go to these lengths to secure the wages, benefits and working conditions that allow them and their families to thrive. I stand in full, wholehearted solidarity with our neighbors, friends and family in AFSCME Local 66 as they face down the possibility of a strike, and negotiate for the respect, dignity and fairness they deserve."
Representative Liish Kozlowski (DFL-Duluth) shared the following statement:
"The dedicated members of AFSCME Local 66 provide essential city services day in and day out, with unwavering commitment to our city and its residents. The workers of AFSCME Local 66 are our neighbors, friends, family, and an integral part of our community who do not take facing down the possibility of a strike lightly. I stand firmly in support of AFSCME Local 66 city workers as they negotiate a contract that reflects the dignity, respect and fairness they deserve.”
Representative-elect Pete Johnson (DFL-Duluth) shared the following statement:
"A vote to strike is not something any union member takes lightly. I stand in solidarity with my Local 66 union siblings as they fight for a contract that acknowledges and honors their dedication and hard work for all those living in, working in and visiting Duluth. Their service to all of us deserves recognition and respect.”
Local 66 is the local affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), representing workers across the Arrowhead region. Local 66 is accepting donations to their Work Contingency Fund in the event of a strike to minimize the burden on members and their families. Checks can be made out to “AFSCME Local 66,” and donations mailed to their Hermantown office: 4172 Thunderchief Lane, Hermantown, MN, 55811.