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Union files unethical labor practice suit against MPRB
The worker’s union said a “deliberate” campaign to undermine workers is underway while the Park Board refuses to bargain in good faith.
MINNEAPOLIS — On Monday the union representing more than 300 Minneapolis Parks workers announced their intent to file an unethical labor practice charge against the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB).
LIUNA Local 363 made multiple allegations against MPRB and Superintendent Al Bangoura in a press release. The union said a “deliberate” campaign to undermine workers is underway while the Park Board refuses to bargain in good faith.
In response to a statement published by MPRB on July 5, the union published a document fact-checking those claims, citing “numerous inaccuracies and misleading claims.”
“The extent and nature of these misrepresentations suggest a troubling pattern that I believe goes beyond mere error and into the realm of intentional deception,” LIUNA Business Manager A.J. Lange said in a statement. “It is anti-worker, union-busting, unacceptable behavior — unbecoming of the conduct of a public servant. Minneapolis is better than this.”
On July 2, park workers announced they would strike, starting on July 4 and continuing for about a week.
Workers are asking for competitive wages, more safety tools and equitable health care.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 2, MPRB said they believe their offer is fair. They say they do not expect any closures because of the upcoming strike and had plans in place for worker walk-offs.
LIUNA has scheduled a press conference for Monday, July 8 at noon at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Local 363 union leadership, MPRB workers and Minneapolis City Council Vice President Aisha Chughtai are scheduled to attend.
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The road closure is expected to last until about 11:30 p.m. tonight, according to MnDOT.
MINNETONKA, Minn. — Officials have closed the westbound lanes of US Highway 12 starting at I-494 in Minnetonka after a collision occurred on Saturday night.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s 511 Map, the road is closed and there was a “serious crash,” on the highway.
The road closure is expected to last until about 11:30 p.m. tonight, according to MnDOT.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
“It’s amazing how well and good the people are helping out,” volunteer Connie Guinn said.
ELK PARK, N.C. — It’s still difficult for Mike Ellenburg to see the damage Helene left in Elk Park, North Carolina.
“Never in my lifetime, no I have not,” Ellenburg, Fire Chief at the Elk Park Volunteer Fire Department, said. “We had to bring in heavy equipment and open the road up.”
The storm left homes destroyed, trees toppled and cars flipped. It’s left roads near rivers and creeks nearby unrecognizable.
“Used to be a paved road, houses on both sides,” he said. “They’re gone.”
“You’ll see some vehicles down here that are sideways, and they’ll have spray paint on ’em,” Ellenburg continued. “Marking that that vehicle has been checked and that nobody was inside of it or around it.”
Ellenburg says he believes there are four areas around Elk Park in a similar state, damaged and difficult to get into. Despite that, help is still coming, both from the town and the rest of the state.
“We’re just trying to get it organized,” Connie Guinn, a volunteer said, standing in front of pallets of food and water. “Because we can’t find nothing, and neither can anybody else.”
Donations have continued to arrive at the Elk Park Volunteer Fire Department. Ellenburg says some have even come from around the country.
Other agencies, like the Dallas, North Carolina volunteer fire department, have also arrived to help where they can.
“It’s amazing how well and good the people are helping out,” Guinn said.
Ellenburg says it will take time to rebuild their community, but it’s made easier to get through with neighbors like theirs.
“I would only say that I don’t want to live anywhere else but here in Avery County, North Carolina,” he said.
The marathon was canceled because of the heat last year.
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Thousands gathered at the Capitol to join in on the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend festivities.
Among them were Noah and Madeline Bleeker, running with their parents at the KARE 11 Family Mile. Noah in particular was rather excited.
“I’m super fast,” he said.
His sister, not so much.
“I just don’t like the part when you get really sweaty,” said Madeline. “I just don’t like that part.”
Either way, they are certainly happy for the weather this year.
Craig Fiedler signed up for his first marathon last year. He flipped through photos on his phone capturing the chaotic day.
“Here I am in the morning with a cup of coffee ready to go,” he smiled. “Then at 5:30 in the morning, I got the email it had been canceled.”
He decided to run it anyway, but he’s excited to cross the finish line this year officially.
“It will be a victory lap,” he said.
Dean Orton is the president of Twin Cities in Motion, the organization behind the marathon. He’s predicting great running conditions.
“It’s great to see it all come together,” he said.
The marathon begins at 8 p.m. tomorrow.
