AFSCME Local 552, representing Hennepin County probation and parole officers, voted unanimously on June 21 to create a strike fund.

Local 552 President Patrick Guernsey said it marks the first time in more than 10 years that the union has taken such an action. "Probation and parole officers are tired of losing ground to other professionals with similar educational requirements," Guernsey stated.

AFSCME Local 552 represents 329 Hennepin County probation and parole officers working in Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation and Family Court Services. Local 552 is the largest organization representing probation and parole officers in the State of Minnesota.