Overview
- The union has not called a strike and must give at least 10 days’ notice, with leaders saying a walkout could start the first full week of classes after winter break in January if no deal is reached.
- The AHEM executive board plans to meet Monday to certify the vote and weigh filing an intent-to-strike notice with the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services, alongside an informational picket and march at the Sandburg Education Center.
- The Anoka-Hennepin School Board scheduled a special meeting for Dec. 22 to consider a resolution on how schools would operate if a work stoppage is authorized, saying it remains committed to reaching an agreement.
- Union leaders cite soaring health insurance costs averaging about 22% and noncompetitive pay, saying current terms would cut take-home pay by roughly $95 to $400 per paycheck.
- District officials point to a budget reduction exceeding $22 million and new state paid-leave costs as constraints, while more than 3,000 educators across 55 schools continue working without a contract since June 30.