The Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is taking steps he hopes will break the stalemate with striking union workers.
In a statement, MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura says they've made their last, best and final offer and now need to hear from the union. That offer includes a 10% pay raise over three years.
"We are just asking them to provide a meaningful counteroffer, something substantial and meaningful," says Park Board spokeswoman Robin Smothers. "So now the ball is in the Local 363 Leadership's court."
Smothers says once that counteroffer is received, the park board is happy to resume mediated negotiations. She says parks are still operating as usual during the strike.
"Currently, as of today, there are more than 50% of 363 workers reporting to work at the park board," Smothers says. "Because of that number, and because of shifting personnel, we are able to maintain our parks, our golf courses, our pools and our gardens with minimal impacts to residents."
In response to Superintendent Bangoura's statement, union leaders say this is a step in the right direction and they look forward to presenting their counteroffer and constructive dialogue at the bargaining table to swiftly resolve this strike.