In another step toward a strike, AFSCME Council 6

will hold a Negotiations Assembly Saturday, Aug. 18, to recommend whether to accept or reject a new contract with the state of Minnesota. Following the vote - which almost certainly will be a rejection - members will conduct informational picketing.

Mediated talks between the state and AFSCME broke off Aug. 1, with no new negotiations scheduled. AFSCME Council 6 Executive Director Peter Benner announced at a news conference Aug. 2 that negotiators for the union were recommending rejection. Once the 400 delegates of the Negotiations Assembly make their recommendation, it will go before the full membership for a vote the week of Aug. 27. A strike, if authorized by members, would begin Sept. 17.

Council 6 represents more than 19,000 workers in 65 local unions across the state. They provide a variety of critical state services, such as road maintenance, nursing home care and corrections.

Another 10,500 state workers, represented by the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, also face a possible walkout.

"The two unions are working together and coordinating efforts," Council 6 said in a statement. Coordinated activities include a joint leaflet and buttons reminding people to vote.

Key issues in the state worker negotiations are pay and health insurance costs.

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