State employees' strike goes on

No end in sight, as state, unions make no progress on deal

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM--For the handful of state employees picketing beside U.S. Highway 15, it was another long day of standing, waving at passing motorists and waiting in anticipation as the largest strike in Minnesota history carried into its second day of existence.

And while the sun and the temperature made it hot and a few rude gestures from passersby prompted a few frowns, many local picketers said they saw signs of public support.

"It's been a busy day," said probation and parole officer Pat Booker, a member of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE). "We've had a lot of (motorists showing support) today."

While feelings outside Minnesota DNR regional headquarters in New Ulm were generally positive, leaders of both MAPE and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) said there is still no end in sight to the strikes.

"It's not going to be a three or four day strike," said AFSCME Council 6 Director Peter Benner from strike headquarters in St. Paul. "We're probably going to have to plan it out further."

Meanwhile, the handfull of strikers in New Ulm stood beside the road and chatted about everyday subjects. The picket even attracted a few workers from outside New Ulm, some of whom weren't even AFSCME or MAPE members. Jim Meyer of New Ulm, an employee of Mesabi Airlines, came to support his wife, Naoko, a MAPE member with the state's management information systems bureau, on his day off. With the nation's airlines in their current state, Meyer said he has plenty of time to support his wife.

"None of us are happy," Naoko said. "None of us want to do this, but I'm not sure there's a good time to strike."

The picket also attracted a few people with a different opinion. The strikers met with a couple who pulled off the highway to question the strikers about their salaries. A man inside the vehicle told strike captain and DNR regional planner Mark Lindquist he felt he could do Lindquist's job. Lindquist replied the man was welcome to it.

"I'm amazed," Booker said about local public reactions. "I expected much more negative responses from the public. It's very good to see."

While MAPE's strike negotiation update hotline reported no updates in the negotiations, Benner said the unions are in contact with state mediators and that the unions could see a modification of the state's contract offers, but AFSCME's demands have not changed. Both unions are reporting that anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of their members went on strike Monday. Union leaders approved the strike after weekend talks failed to win new contracts. It is AFSCME's first strike since 1981, when 14,000 public employees staged a strike for 22 days.

"The longer this goes on, the more difficult it will be to find a solution," said Benner.

Even some academics fear the strike could have a substantial effect on the state's economy. Alfred Marcus, a professor of strategic management and organization at the Carlson School of Management, said the sheer number of potential strikers in Minnesota is a top concern.

"I think it will hurt if these people hold back on spending," he said. "It's a lot of people."

More than half of the state's workforce could be out on strike just as the state and national economies are slowing down. Nearly 28,000 workers are eligible to participate in the strike. Marcus said the effects could be even more drastic if the strike drags into the holiday shopping season. The strike comes in addition to statewide layoffs, including about 10,000 jobs at Northwest Airlines that were cut because of the decline in airline travel.

"It's very difficult to be out here despite Sept.11," Booker said as another semi truck rolled by, honking its horn at the picketers. "But it's very important to us. It's important to our families."

Close to two months ago, the state offered pay raises to both union's members. AFSCME was offered a three percent raise over the next two years. MAPE received a one-time, four percent pay increase. AFSCME leaders asked for a five percent increase while MAPE requested 4.5 percent over a two-year period. The sides also disagree on health benefits. The state asked union members to accept higher co-payments and deductibles in an effort to reduce insurance premiums.

State workers affected by the strike include State Capitol security guards, highway maintenance workers, tax collectors, office clerks and parole and probation officers.

Many workers in Brown County belong to local unions and are not affected by the strike.

"I've never been on strike in my life until now," said MAPE member John Gerdes, of New Ulm. "And I've worked for 24 years."

Picketers at DNR regional headquarters outside New Ulm said they will return to the picket lines every day until the contract is settled and will work in shifts beginning around 8 a.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.