Hennepin County employees rally for higher wages, say opening offer ‘insulting’

Hennepin County employees plan to walk out, claiming the county is refusing to give enough raises to workers like those in child protective services, despite trying to give commissioners significant raises this year.

AFSCME Local 34 is currently in contract negotiations with the county, but employees called the opening offer — of 1 percent, 0.5 percent and 0.5 percent raises over the next three years — “insulting.”

It comes after Hennepin County Commissioners made headlines over the summer by proposing a 49% pay rise for themselves, which was eventually abandoned following public outcry.

Several AFSCME labor branches have organized a rally for Nov. 12 at the Hennepin County Government Center from noon to 2:30 p.m.

“AFSCME members in child welfare, probation and parole, clerkships, corrections and other critical roles in Hennepin County have been stretched almost to breaking point, asked again and again to take on more and more responsibilities — even if they are paid uncompetitive wages that decrease. less than what it deserves,” AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Bart Andersen said in a statement.

“The relentless demand on our workers is not only unsustainable; it is an affront to the dignity and worth of these dedicated workers. That’s why our union members stand together, unite and negotiate for the respect they’ve earned: fair wages that reflect their worth, reliable benefits that support their families, and the right to feel safe on the job. “

Conformable GovSalaries.orgthe median range for employee salaries in 2023 was approximately $73,029. Minnesota Star Tribune reported in March that Hennepin County Administrator David Hough received a 20 percent raise, making him the county’s highest-paid employee at $353,284 a year, up from $294,784.

Several letters have been sent from CPS employees to labor relations, commissioners and Hough County Administrator about the emotional toll their jobs take and how they are being financially affected by “not being paid properly.”

One employee, who refers to herself as a mother, foster carer and social worker, shared her struggles to juggle her own personal life, having to sacrifice her duties to continue her social work.

“The safety of other children often outweighs my ability to be the best mother I can be because of my lack of presence, approachability and lack of approach,” the letter states. “I experienced some of the most traumatic cases of my career in Child Protective Services while working in Hennepin County. Now more than ever I am dealing with high levels of secondary trauma, feeling tired, mentally drained and minimally supported.

“At this time, I am disappointed and saddened by Hennepin County and its decisions to disregard the value of the work provided to the community by its employees.”

Bring me the news reached out to Hennepin County for comment, and public affairs officer Carolyn Marinan said negotiations are still ongoing.

“This is a process that is defined and structured with the goal of reaching a fair and equitable contract for employees while balancing the budget,” Marinan said. “To ensure that discussions are productive and respectful, we believe it is important that negotiations take place in the appropriate forum. We look forward to continuing discussions with our union partners at the bargaining table.”

Related: Hennepin County commissioners push back on 49 percent pay hike plan.