Teamsters Still on Strike!
Primary Day!
Today is the Primary Election, which is an opportunity for you to vote for the candidates who truly speak to you and your values. The DFL is not running a monolithic slate of candidates- some are on the progressive side of the spectrum, some are on the centrist side, and that diversity is really good! We have to continue to build the "big tent" party. While we may disagree on the details, we have to boslter Minnesota against the devastating attacks of Trump's first two years back in office. That is going to require compromising with democrats across the spectrum. Whether you’re a Democratic Socialist, or a Blue Dog Democrat, go to the Secretary of State Poll Finder website and head to the polls today!
Teamsters Still on Strike
On Wednesday, August 5, I spoke at the Chisago County Commissioners meeting in support of the 170 county workers whose strike has now entered the fourth month. The Teamsters represent Health and Human Service Workers, Environmental Service Workers, Accountants, Bookkeepers, Case Managers, and others who keep our county government functioning, and provide essential services to our neighbors.
The strike began on May 1, 2026, but negotiations for a new contract have been tense and fruitless since October, 2025. The Teamsters' demands currently include a 6% market rate adjustment over two years, and joining the Teamster's lower-deductible health plan.
The County does not agree with the Teamsters’ demands because of budgetary concerns. Marlys Dunne, Commissioner for District 3, for example wrote on Facebook, “This deal is terrible for tax payers...” One of the problems with this narrative is the County provided executive leadership a 24% market rate adjustment, as well as double-digit market rate adjustments to county sherrifs and lawyers.
I made two broad points to our Commissioners:
1) The overall cost to our county of not settling this strike exceeds the costs of accepting the Teamsters' demands. These costs are both direct (in the form of legal fees, temporary employee wages, and overtime to sheriffs) as well as indirect (damaged employer reputation and slowing the permitting process for development). Most importantly, Chisago County is less capable of providing essential services and resources to our neighbors at this time, which is an incalculable cost to our wellbeing in Chisago.
2) The County Commissioners and Administrator are not treating their essential employees with respect. For example, sheriffs are stationed outside to monitor picketing employees every day. Even more disturbing is that more than 90% of the striking workers are women. According to the National Women's Law Center, Women in Minnesota typically make $0.85 for every dollar paid to men. I am embarrassed to see our county treating their employees this way.
At this time, the MN Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS), after listening to both sides for the last three months, has provided two options for the Teamsters and the County to consider. At the Wednesday meeting, the Teamsters urged the County to consider the BMS proposal seriously, and get back to them as soon as possible. What is clear is that the 170 county workers want to be back at work and they are hoping the county will give them a fair contract that supports their wellbeing in this difficult time.
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Education Minnesota
I am so proud to have received the endorsement of Education Minnesota, a group of people who teach me about what it means to be a true public servant: someone who cares for the community today and into the future, someone who prioritizes others above oneself, and someone who puts in blood sweat and tears every day to stay true to their values. Thank you for this meaningful endorsement. We will make positive change for our public school teachers and students together.