Minneapolis park workers approve new contract

Minneapolis park workers have approved a new contract with the Park and Recreation Board after a three-week strike.

The union, representing about 300 workers, voted to approve the contract Thursday. LIUNA Local 363 didn’t release vote totals but said its membership “overwhelmingly” supported the agreement.

The union said workers secured pay increases, with a 10.25 percent cost-of-living adjustment over three years. By 2026, wages will increase an average of $5.42 per hour – more than $11,000 per year.

The union also said the contract expands workers' rights around sick leave and comp time benefits. Workers said it also removed language from a previous park board proposal that would have limited union protections.

The strike led to contentious discussions and protests at park board meetings, as commissioners disagreed over how to get employees back to work.

Union members returned to work earlier this week, after the union and the park board reached a tentative agreement last week.

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