Anoka-Hennepin teachers union prepares possible strike vote
Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota, the union representing more than 3,200 educators in the state’s largest school district, set up a strike office Tuesday in Coon Rapids.
The union and district said sticking points include wages and health care bonuses on a new contract.
The AHEM board of directors met Monday and approved a strike authorization vote.
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“That’s definitely not what we want. I want to be clear, this is not something that is inevitable for us,” said John Wolhaupter, president of Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota. “We believe that looking at the district’s finances, they have improved over the fall, that what we are asking for is affordable for the district and necessary.”
Union members will hold a strike vote from December 17 to 20, the results of which will be announced on December 20.
If approved, AHEM will file its official intention to strike the week of December 22.
A strike could begin as early as the first full week of January, according to AHEM.
The district and union are in mediation and working on a new two-year contract.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS asked district leaders for an on-camera interview Tuesday, but was told that was not an option and that further negotiation details could not be shared because both sides were in mediation.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools instead sent a statement that read in part.
“The school board appreciates the important role teachers play and actively participated in negotiations with Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM) regarding the updated terms and conditions of their employment agreement.
“The negotiation process has included eight meetings so far, starting in July. Five meetings took place before mediation began in November and December. The district is committed to achieving the goal of improving employee terms and conditions while working within tight budgetary parameters.
“Ensuring the financial and operational stability of the district is a priority. At its regular meeting this evening, the school board completed a three-phase budget reduction and reallocation process of $22.2 million. Going forward, obligations related to unfunded mandates such as paid leave in Minnesota also place additional budgetary pressure.
“The school board is committed to finding solutions for an employment contract for teachers with the resources available through the negotiation process.”
“They made us an offer that would give us a salary advantage – a competitive salary or they gave us money to make health insurance more affordable,” Wolhaupter said. “We really need both of these things to make Anoka-Hennepin a place where educators really want to work and a destination to attract the best teachers for our students.”
“This is not where Anoka-Hennepin educators want to be,” said teacher Kelley Stowell, who has worked in the district for 28 years. “We just think we need to be appreciated and valued for the work we do. »
