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Picketers take over MPRB meeting
The possible resolution was brought to the board by District 3 Commissioner Becky Alper, who made her plea before a packed room filled with striking workers.
MINNEAPOLIS — Picketers interrupted Wednesday’s Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) meeting after the board rejected a move to add a potential resolution to its agenda.
The resolution to pursue a prompt settlement was brought to the board by District 3 Commissioner Becky Alper, who made her plea before a packed room filled with striking workers.
“This is no longer a time to remain silent,” Alper said. “What you see before you is a path forward. To find a solution to this present conflict, which respects the gravity of the situation. It’s not about winning. This resolution isn’t pro-union or pro-MPRB management. If it had to choose a side, I would say it’s with the people.”
It’s time to end this strike and get our valued workers back to work. @OlsenForParks pic.twitter.com/srfcLBljUC
— Becky Alper (@BeckyForParksD3) July 22, 2024
Commissioner Tom Olsen also supported the resolution, however, the motion to add it to the agenda was rejected.
The strike began on July 4 after LIUNA Local 363, the union representing more than 300 workers, rejected the board’s final offer. Since then, there have been multiple negotiation sessions, however, no deal has been reached. The union continues to press the board for a “fair” contract, saying some of their big concerns include union representation and professional advancement.
The MPRB has maintained that its offers have been “very fair,” saying that their offer on July 16 included a proposed 10.25% raise over three years, a $1.75 wage adjustment spread out over two years and contract language changes.
It’s the latest chapter in what has been a contentious 20 days since since the beginning of the strike back on July 4. Last week, the MPRB filed an unfair labor practice charge after picketers allegedly “harassed and blocked” truck drivers from delivering to park-owned buildings.
The union filed the same charge against the MPRB on July 8 claiming the Board was using misinformation to undermine the workers.
Last week, prosecutors charged John Sawchak with attempted 2nd-degree murder and other felony charges after he allegedly shot his neighbor Davis Moturi.
MINNEAPOLIS — Following the shooting between two neighbors, the Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to request that the city’s auditor conduct an independent investigation into the incidents and cases between Davis Moturi and John Sawchak.
Moturi was allegedly shot by his neighbor, Sawchak, on Wednesday, Oct. 23 but Minneapolis police did not arrest Sawchak until days later.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara defended not arresting Sawchak sooner, calling it a “high-risk” situation. O’Hara later said the victim, who had complained about harassment from Sawchak for months, was failed by police. Sawchak was arrested this past weekend after an hours-long standoff.
Moturi suffered a fractured spine, two broken ribs, and a concussion in the shooting. “Mr. Moturi’s life matters and I’m sorry that for nearly a year, MPD did not treat it like it did,” said Council Member Robin Wonsley in a news release, “Today’s vote affirms that the City Council is committed to taking meaningful actions towards accountability and restoration, starting with this independent review.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey released this statement:
“Mayor Frey fully supports an independent review of this incident. The mayor and City are committed to always doing better, and this means closely examining past actions and finding where there may be ways to improve and grow. The mayor extends his condolences to Davis Moturi, his wife, Caroline, and their family and friends. The safety of our residents is a top priority and any form of violence or hate speech is completely unacceptable and does not align with who we are as a community. Brian O’Hara will continue to be the Minneapolis Police Chief.”
“This Valentine’s Day, 2025, will mark the five-year anniversary of the premiere of ‘Love is Blind,” Vanessa said on the Season 7 finale. “And, it is gonna be the launch of Season 8, which takes place in Minneapolis.”
The episode also revealed three of the new cast members, one of whom, “Alex,” told Lachey Minneapolis is “not like a major city, but it’s also not a small town,” which he said is just one of the obstacles in his way of finding the one.
“I just never found the right person that clicked for me,” he said.
Meantime, you can bone up on Seasons 1-7 streaming now on Netflix.
MINNEAPOLIS — How much do you know about your grandma’s upbringing?
“The Stories From My Grandmother’s Hands” is a book that aims to show young Black children how their grandmas lived through beautiful illustrations and descriptions.
KARE 11 News at Noon shared more on Thursday about the impact that this book will have.
