Blizzard warnings in Northwest Minnesota, winter weather advisories across the state

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union has set Jan. 8 as a strike date if contract talks don’t yield a new two-year contract. 

. Under Minnesota law, the filing triggers a 10-day cooling-off period before a strike can begin. The union said Thursday that, without a contract, teachers would walk out Jan. 8.

“We want to be in our classrooms,” union president John Wolhaupter said. “A strike is a last resort. We remain willing to meet with the district at any time to reach an agreement that addresses both insurance affordability and fair compensation. The board has the authority to provide the resources needed to settle this contract and avoid a strike.”

Union leaders say hikes in health care costs would effectively cut pay by hundreds of dollars under terms the district is currently proposing. 

School board members called a special meeting Monday night to “consider a resolution that outlines the management of schools” should the teachers strike.

Board members say they are dealing with a budget reduction of more than $22 million and must also budget for the state’s new paid leave requirements.

“The School Board remains committed to finding solutions for an employment agreement for teachers through the negotiation process,” a district representative said in a statement. 

There are currently no mediation sessions scheduled between the district and union. District leaders say the Bureau of Mediation needs to set the next session. 

The Anoka-Hennepin school district is the largest in Minnesota. It has been negotiating with teachers for several months to reach a deal on a new two-year contract. Mediation began in November.

Education News

NewsPartners

Homepage

Elizabeth Shockman

Author

Board members in the state’s largest district called a special meeting Monday night to talk through “management of schools” should the teachers strike. No mediation sessions are scheduled between the district and union on a new contract.

Anoka-Hennepin teachers set Jan. 8 for potential strike

Go Deeper.

Like this?