Minnesota Strikers Returning to Work
About 23,000 state employees began returning to work Monday after a two-week strike that some Minnesotans had branded unpatriotic.
The workers returned with relief but also bitterness toward those who had condemned the walkout or crossed picket lines.
“It’s very difficult. I don’t make eye contact,” said Lisa Maidl, a revenue collector who went back to work. “Personally, I don’t know if some of these feelings will ever be resolved. There’s a lot of anger and hurt.”
Managers held a meeting to warn strikers they would not tolerate any threats or hostility toward those who crossed the picket lines.
Minnesota’s two largest state-employee unions--about half the state’s work force--went on strike Oct. 1 over pay increases and health benefits in the biggest such walkout in state history.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees settled for 3.5% raises for each of the next two years. The Minnesota Assn. of Professional Employees will receive 3% increases per year.
Federation members currently average $30,000 a year, and association members $49,000.
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