February 8th: Mediation Update
Your AFSCME Local 517 Negotiations Team recently emerged from a 12-hour mediation session with the County. We stayed at the table to push for the respect and compensation you deserve.
In the end, Washington County gave us an offer that they have formally requested to be brought to membership for a vote. The Negotiations Team has not tentatively agreed to all aspects of this offer, but we DID agree to bring the offer to you.
This offer is a mixed bag. There are hard-won gains in this proposal, but there are also areas where the County has failed to meet the moment. Usually in a situation like this, a union formally recommends a way for the members to vote. Because we are a member-led union, the team will not make this decision for you yet (if at all).
Before we move forward, we are hosting four emergency, in person Offer Presentations this upcoming week.
These meetings are open to ALL employees represented by AFSCME Local 517, regardless of membership status. These meetings will need to be attended on non-work time, like your lunch break or flex time.
We’ll share what happened during those 12 hours of mediation and exactly where the County is digging in their heels. We need your feedback to shape our final recommendation. Your responses will determine whether we move to ratify or continue to push for a better offer.
All employees that we represent are encouraged to come listen in and provide their input.
Offer Presentation Schedule
| Date | Time | Location | Room Number | Google Calendar Link |
| February 9th | 12:00-1:00pm | Forest Lake Service Center | Conference Room 1203 | Calendar Link |
| February 10th | 12:00-1:00pm | Cottage Grove Service Center | Conference Room 150 | Calendar Link |
| February 11th | 12:30-1:30pm* | Stillwater Government Center | LL12 | Calendar Link |
| February 12th | 12:00-1:00pm | Central Service and License Center | Conference Room F201 | Calendar Link |
*NOTE the different time for the Stillwater meeting!
If you are not able to attend these in person, do not fret: the offer will be sent to all members after the General Membership Meeting on the 18th.
We fought for 12 hours straight at the table. Now, we need you to stand with us for one hour and give us your feedback.
Dues-paying members will be voting on this offer the 24th and 25th of February. If you would like to vote, you can sign up here to become a dues-paying member, or call our Member Action Center at: (651) 450-4990. If you have any issues or would like to confirm your membership status, call the same number or email Recording Secretary Kaitlyn McCarthy at afscme517secretary@gmail.com.
More to come. We hope to see you this week!
In Solidarity,
Your Local 517 Negotiations Team
Ben, Carrie, Alex, Lizzy, Reese, Adam, Shannon, and James