Minneapolis Park and Recreation workers began striking for pay raises on July 4 following failed contract negotiations with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB).
Around 40% of the workforce was present at the initial protest, with protests planned from July 4 to 10. Feeling unsatisfied, the union decided to continue the strike indefinitely, said Spokesperson Liz Xiong of the local branch of Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), the union organization.
“There was no progress and our members felt they could not settle for that,” Xiong said. “We deserve more. The only way to get heard and to earn the respect we deserve is to keep striking.”
Minneapolis parks are consistently ranked among the best in the nation, according to the Trust for Public Land, ranking second in 2024. Despite this, employee pay has stagnated, Xiong said.
Park employees, such as gardeners and park keepers, are responsible for park maintenance across the city.
Negotiations began in early 2024 but stalled after the MPRB proposed their final offer of a 10.25% increase over the next three years, which would cost $4.7 million. Since the strike began, LiUNA proposed a counteroffer of 16% worth $7.5 million.
MPRB said in a statement that employee wages were “fair and equitable” and their “last, best and final offer” is acceptable.
The focus of the strike is not solely on wage increases. LiUNA also called for improved benefits and working conditions.
Robin Smothers, the spokesperson for the board, said the organization is and will continue to be a great employer that provides equitable compensation.
“MPRB leadership remains committed to being an employer of choice,” Smothers said. “We are committed to providing all MPRB employees fair, equitable compensation and benefits.”
With the strike continuing past its initial one-week plan, strikers and the parks have felt the impact. Strikers have gone without pay and city maintenance has slowed as a result.
Following a large thunderstorm on Sunday, debris from fallen trees caused power outages in Minneapolis. The strike delayed the cleanup of the fallen trees.
Xiong said the impact of their strike is not lost on the workers.
“The intention from the very beginning was to minimize the impacts on the park community,” Xiong said. “These are workers who are superfans of the park. Like grown versions of little boys and girls who saw someone working at the park and immediately knew, ‘This is what I want to be.’”
Support for the striking workers hit the Minneapolis City Council with Council Member Robin Wonsley (Ward 2) releasing statements in support of the protests and discussing plans to join them.
On July 16, the Minneapolis City Council will vote on a resolution, introduced by Wonsley and Council Member Jason Chavez (Ward 9), which expresses support for the union’s efforts but reiterates the need for negotiations to continue. Discussions are expected to continue, but both parties said they are hoping the strike will end soon.
“We are being optimistic and hopeful that we can return to the table and be productive with bargaining,” Xiong said.
