Anoka Hennepin Educators Advance Strike Authorization After Major Rally

Following a rally of roughly 1,000 teachers, staff, and labor allies outside the Sandburg Education Center on December 8, Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota President John Wolhaupter announced at the district’s regular board meeting that the union’s executive board had unanimously approved moving forward with a strike authorization vote.

“A strike is a last resort, something none of us want, but it could be the only way for teachers to show how serious this situation is to us,” Wolhaupter told the board. “A strike is not inevitable, but the district must act now. You, the board, have the authority to provide your team with the resources to settle this contract.”

District Notes Progress With Other Bargaining Units but Cites Fiscal Limits

In a statement shared by district spokesperson Jim Skelly, Anoka Hennepin officials emphasized that they have already settled agreements with nine of the district’s thirteen bargaining groups. The statement underscored the district’s focus on financial and operational stability, noting that recent budget reductions continue to limit available resources.

“The negotiation process has included eight meetings to date, starting in July. Five meetings were held prior to entering mediation in November and December,” the district wrote. “The district is committed to the goal of improving terms and conditions for employees while working within tight budget parameters."

Strong Union Support for Strike Authorization

After surveying educators about their willingness to strike, more than 90 percent of members indicated they would vote in favor of a strike in order to secure what they describe as a contract that fairly reflects their work and contributions to students, according to Wolhaupter.

AHEM’s official strike authorization vote is scheduled for December 17 through December 20, with results to be released on December 20. If members approve, the union could file an intent to strike as early as late December, and a walkout could begin in January under state labor law timelines.

Educators Describe Strain of Rising Health Insurance Costs

Several teachers addressed the board during the December 8 meeting, detailing how rising health insurance premiums have affected their household finances.

Fourth grade teacher and Blaine High School head girls soccer coach Scott Zachmann said his district provided health insurance increased nearly 18 percent this year.

“I now pay 1,500 dollars every month just to insure my family,” he said. “I pay another two hundred a month for my son’s medication, and on top of that I face a 6,000 dollar out of pocket max every year.”

Zachmann told the board that, in addition to teaching and coaching, he works a summer job, trains athletes three nights a week during the winter, and bartends on Saturday nights to manage the cost burden.

“This is not equitable, it is not sustainable, and it is not a reflection of the value we bring to the district every single day,” he said. “All we are asking for is a fair, reasonable and stable contract. One that honors our commitment, our sacrifices and the countless hours we give to our communities.”

MinneapoliMedia