Hennepin County reaches tentative agreement with union employees
After six months of bargaining, the AFSCME Council 5 union reached a tentative agreement with Hennepin County for around 4,000 employees on Friday, promising more benefits and wage increases over the next three years.
Over 700 union members rallied at the Hennepin County Government Center on Nov. 12, calling for higher wages after employees called the county's opening offer "insulting" coming on the heels of Hennepin County commissioners proposing a 49% pay raise for themselves this summer, which was ultimately scrapped after public outcry.
On Friday, AFSCME Council 5 announced it had reached a tentative agreement with the county. The agreement includes a 4% wage increase for employees in 2025, 2026, and 2027, compounded annually. This is a significant increase from the county's opening offer of a 1%, 0.5%, and 0.5% increase over the next three years.
Nov. 12 rally at Hennepin County Government Center
Max Hall, AFSCME Council 5
"This major agreement is a win for every AFSCME member and every family that relies on the critical services provided by Hennepin County workers," Bart Andersen, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 5, said. "Our union members fought hard at the bargaining table and away from the table for this agreement, and it delivers sector-leading benefits, competitive wages, and much-needed workplace improvements."
Employees who decide to work night shifts will see an increase of $1.10/hour, and those who work weekends will also see a raise of $1.40/hour for local unions 34, 552, 2864, and 2938. Weekend pay will increase to $2.00/hour for Local 1719 workers.
The agreement also caps the amount employees pay for insurance deductibles at $500 for a single worker and $1,000 for a worker with their spouse and/or children.
The agreement will be sent to AFSCME members for a ratification vote.
"This tentative agreement proves that when working people are united behind our union values, organized, and encouraged to take action, we can improve our standards of living, our workplaces, and our communities. That is the power of being a union member," Andersen said.
“Hennepin County is the second largest employer where Council 5 represents workers, and this agreement is a victory not just for our union members but for residents of Hennepin County and all Minnesotans who benefit from the dedication and excellence of these workers.”
