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Neither side in the stalled-out contract negotiations between the Teamsters 320 local and Chisago County leaders is happy with the process— and the impasse on the two-year contract has now resulted in temporary closure of the North Branch satellite HHS offices.  

The Teamsters 320 local members had entered mediation with a notice of intent to strike filed with the Bureau of Mediation Services, but released a statement Friday April 10 at 4:45 p.m. that the union has “reached a breaking point” and invited media to a press conference at 6:30 Friday night.  Talks continued with negotiators however, until negotiating teams 1eft the table at 1 a.m. Saturday. 

The county feels the union statement on Friday disrespected the integrity of the process in the midst of  mediation. 

A strike was not legal until midnight Tuesday April 14. There was a notice informing Teamsters that the building used as a satellite HHS facility located in the North Branch business park would be closing Tuesday, in light of the strike activity.  The notice was distributed Friday as well.

Health and Human Services clients utilizing the North Branch building  generally are there to receive non-emergency services and are by-appointment or attending scheduled clinics, which all will still be available, according to county administration.  HHS staff who won’t be able to access the North Branch space  can hold interviews, process applications and provide public health services and outreach either at the Government Center in Center City or via the mobile public health van. (ie:vaccinations)

According to county administrator Chase Burnham the union rejected wages that are “consistent with the market” and that amount to 13 percent (6.5 each year) over the 2026 and 2027 cycles.

The union statements about the strike process so far have equated member dissatisfaction with the three percent basic wage and  Teamsters are comparing this to what the county’s top officials (elected and non elected) received in their most recent double-digit wage adjustments.

The highest-paid county officials including the administrator, are not union-covered.

County Administrator Burnham said the salary scale for the top earners is still less than comparable positions and their county wages.

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