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Members of the county Teamsters union filled the County Board Room for the regular meeting April 1. Two speakers — Troy Davidsavor and Teamsters business agent Amy Perusse,   announced during a public forum that the union had officially filed notice of intent to strike with the MN Bureau of Mediation Services that day.  They expressed hopes the county will “negotiate in good faith” on compensation for affected employees.

The Press has requested specifics on the Teamsters requests. The contract in question expired in January this year.  Union Treasurer Erik Skoog said in an e-mail to the paper there is no comment at this time on the negotiations.

This intent-notice triggered a 10 day window for a ‘cooling off’ period which generally brings an opportunity to return to the negotiating table.   A closed session of the County Board was convened for April 8, where personnel matters would be the only item on the agenda and  are allowed to be discussed confidentially.

Commissioner Ben Montzka made a motion to declare the special closed session after the union speakers concluded their remarks.  

County Administrator Chase Burnham explained the process, saying the first day a work stoppage could be activated, assuming the cooling off period is unsuccessful at formulating terms, is April 15.

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