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The teachers union for the Anoka-Hennepin schools says its members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike if they can’t reach a deal with the district on a new contract.
The vote outcome does not mean a strike has been called by Anoka-Hennepin teachers. If the union chooses to move ahead with a work stoppage, it would need to announce a strike date with at least 10 days’ notice to the district.
Union leaders say that if a contract agreement is not reached, a strike could begin the first full week of classes after winter break in January.
“This vote sends a clear message,”Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota President John Wolhaupter said in a statement. “Our educators are united, and they are asking the district to act now. A strike is not inevitable, but meaningful movement from the district is required to avoid one.”
Union leaders say more than 98 percent of its members said they were in favor of authorizing a strike.
Anoka-Hennepin, Minnesota’s largest school district, has been negotiating with teachers for several months to reach a deal on a new two-year contract. Mediation began in November.
Union leaders say hikes in health care costs mean teachers would effectively take pay cuts in the hundreds of dollars per paycheck under terms the district is currently proposing.
The district says it is dealing with a budget reduction of more than $22 million and must also budget for the state’s new paid leave requirements.
District leaders say the negotiation process is “complex and limited by the resources available to the school district and how they are distributed.”
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board said in a statement that it is “committed to finding solutions for an employment agreement for teachers with the resources that are available through the negotiation process.”
Union leaders said late Friday there are currently no mediation sessions scheduled, but that they are willing to meet with district representatives over the winter break to work on reaching an agreement.
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