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Monday, May 4 was the first full workday impacted by the effects of a county employee strike. Teamsters Local 320 has previously entered mediation, issued intent to strike press releases and union representatives have spoken during public forum at County Board meetings, but the actual work stoppage started Friday, May 1 at 4:25 p.m.— the end of the regular work week for the Health and Human Services and Government Center Professionals.

According to county administration staff, “contingency plans” will allow for delivery of critical services valued staff members provide, especially job duties related to public safety.

Teamsters union leaders explained in a news release the strike is a direct response to what is perceived to be arrogance and disregard for the 170 workers represented in the Teamsters. Secretary-Treasurer Erik Skoog declared county officials “...act as though we are the problem, but the reality is they forced our hand. This strike didn’t have to happen.”

Skoog added workers don’t want to be offered concessionary proposals and unequal and unfair compensation compared to what has been granted to those in top administrative roles.

The county administrator’s office points out in a statement that Chisago County is offering a three percent wage increase for each year of the contract 2026 and 2027 plus the three and a half percent increase in STEP compensation. The percentage of staff getting STEP hikes is 100 percent for 2026 and 95 percent in 2027.  This is the same non-union workers receive.  The union has failed to produce data that shows neighboring counties of similar size are paying their employees more for the same jobs, the administrator noted.

County administrator Chase Burnham is the focus of some of the animosity inherent in the negotiations, as he received a 20-plus percent pay hike along with a couple of elected officials (sheriff, county attorney) when the County Board authorized a recent compensation package adjustment.

The Chisago County administration team however, consists of a sole administrator and no deputy or assistant administrators. As a statutorily-defined job in Minnesota, county administrators are required to perform specific duties.

Within the inter-county association (MICA) of similar-sized counties, administrators earn an average of $237,924 and Burnham receives 12 percent less. He also is not provided a vehicle nor phone.

The county states in its most recent press release, “Chisago County operates under a streamlined structure in which (administration) fulfills responsibilities historically divided among multiple senior leadership roles, resulting in measurable cost savings while maintaining effective oversight.”

Teamsters Local 320 points to the high-ranking positions and elected officers’ pay hikes which the Board adopted in response to a comparable wage study, as excessive and an insult to the rank and file.

Union official Skoog said the local is prepared for a prolonged strike if necessary.  Workers who strike do receive $1,000 per week in benefits through the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Strike Fund.  “The union remains ready to reach a resolution but only through a meaningful agreement.”

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