Workers in Iron Range city walk off job, cite disrespect during contract negotiations

VIRGINIA, MINN. — Dozens of city employees here who walked off the job Wednesday morning lined the street in front of the public library at midday, striking as contract negotiations with the city have soured.

Passing drivers honked as supporters and members of AFSCME Local 454 waved signs that were concise ("fair contract") and played on political slogans ("make Virginia great again.") This union represents more than 60 workers from departments including the library, engineering, parks and rec, and various city buildings including City Hall. The city had recently offered a contract described as a "last, best, final offer," and though union members say they were unanimous in approving it on Tuesday, the city's negotiating committee had pulled it earlier in the day.

Union members picketed at City Hall in the morning, and later the public works building. They planned to move to the Iron Trail Motors Event Center, which houses two ice arenas, later in the day. They plan to be outside every day until there is a new contract, according to AFSCME 454 President Scott DaRonco.

"It's unfair bargaining," he said, adding that he has support from the community. "We're doing our job to serve the citizens."

On Feb. 21, the union announced its intent to strike, opening a 10-day cooling-off period that included more negotiations. Union members want to maintain benefits and seniority protections, and they want to stave off a reduction in overtime benefits.

The city's negotiating team offered a base wage increase with a cumulative total of 10.5% over the next three years — which the city administrator said would add about $141,000 to the city's budget in 2024, and $323,000 in 2025-26. It was determined that this increase would affect departmental budgets and staffing levels, so the offer was pulled.

"It is unfortunate that AFSCME feels their only option is to strike rather than to continue to meet to find solutions," City Administrator Britt See-Benes said in a news release. "It is disheartening to see our dedicated staff on the picket line knowing the impact on them and their families; and it's discouraging to think about the potential impact on our citizens, our employees in other bargaining units, and our organizational culture moving forward."

Union members said they were left without other options.

"We just want respect in a contract that isn't 10 steps backwards," DaRonco said in a news release.

Rebecca LeMenager, who works at the library, led those on the street in a cheer: "454, we deserve more!"

The Virginia City Council, she said, is the highest compensated council in St. Louis County. According to the city, Mayor Larry Cuffe, Jr. receives $500 per month and councilors get $300 per month, plus $35 for attending meetings and $100 for each council of the whole meeting. Depending on their insurance package, they pay either 10% or 20% of their health insurance premiums.

"We just want them to work with us," she said.

AFSCME Council 65 is filing an Unfair Labor Practice charge against the city because of its actions during negotiations. The City Council blocked pro-union speakers during a recent public meeting and approved an ordinance against picketing in residential areas.

A photo of City Councilor Julianne Paulsen holding a basket of pacifiers out to union members was widely circulated on social media. She later apologized.

When a woman and a young child walked toward the library on Wednesday afternoon, the pair was stopped by pickets. City Hall remains open, but the library here has closed during the strike. There would be no art session today.

"Call the mayor and tell him you want to paint," one of the sign-holders said.