Minnesota Strikers Returning to Work
ST. PAUL, Minn. — About 23,000 state employees began returning to work Monday after a two-week strike that some Minnesotans had branded unpatriotic.
The workers returned with relief but also bitterness toward those who had condemned the walkout or crossed picket lines.
“It’s very difficult. I don’t make eye contact,” said Lisa Maidl, a revenue collector who went back to work. “Personally, I don’t know if some of these feelings will ever be resolved. There’s a lot of anger and hurt.”
Managers held a meeting to warn strikers they would not tolerate any threats or hostility toward those who crossed the picket lines.
Minnesota’s two largest state-employee unions--about half the state’s work force--went on strike Oct. 1 over pay increases and health benefits in the biggest such walkout in state history.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees settled for 3.5% raises for each of the next two years. The Minnesota Assn. of Professional Employees will receive 3% increases per year.
Federation members currently average $30,000 a year, and association members $49,000.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.