Stand With Washington County Workers for a Fair Contract
Washington County Board
Washington County Local 517 Exempt and Non-Exempt workers are standing together and working together toward a fair contract that supports the health, safety, and dignity of the public servants who keep this county running.
We are asking members and supporters to sign this petition to:
- Reject Washington County’s latest contract offer
- Notify of our strike authorization
- Commit to rallying together on Tuesday, March 24 at 8:00 a.m. at 14949 62nd St. N, Stillwater (parking lot)
We invite all AFSCME members, allies, and community supporters to stand with us and rally.
Wear green to show solidarity with Washington County workers.
Washington County employees are the people who keep our communities running every day. We deserve a contract that reflects the value of our work and the reality of what we are facing.
Please sign this petition to show your support for Local 517 workers negotiating for a fair contract.
Sponsored by
To:
Washington County Board
From:
[Your Name]
To the Washington County Board of Commissioners:
On February 24 and 25, AFSCME Local 517 Exempt and Non-Exempt members voted to reject Washington County’s latest contract offer and authorized a strike. This decision was not made lightly and reflects serious concerns about the employees well-being and the need for meaningful progress at the bargaining table.
Local 517 members want to continue serving residents with pride and professionalism. To do that, workers need a contract that supports mental, physical, and financial health.
• Health and well-being matter. Our workforce has experienced devastating loss, including suicide. Chronic understaffing and overwhelming workloads have caused lasting harm. Workers need stronger mental health benefits and supportive policies and practices.
• Staffing is unsafe. Employees are stretched too thin, affecting both workers and public services.
• Dignity in bargaining is missing. Respect has not been shown during negotiations around these critical needs.
• Financial stability is at risk. Rising healthcare costs and the lack of paid leave are pushing experienced employees out. Workers are seeking MN Paid Leave for all employees, including Wisconsin-based workers, so no one has to choose between their job, health, and family.
Washington County depends on its employees to deliver essential public services, including Child and Adult Protection, Economic Assistance (SNAP/Medical Assistance), Public Health Nursing, Health Inspector, Property Tax Administration, and Library Services. Investing in these workers is a direct investment in the community.
By investing in the workforce, the County honors its commitment to “Safe Communities and Thriving People.” High-quality public services are only possible when skilled public servants are supported and retained.
We urge the County to return to the table ready to work toward:
• Fair wages
• Affordable healthcare
• Strong mental health benefits and supportive policies
• Paid leave for all employees
• Safe and sustainable staffing levels
• A bargaining process grounded in dignity and good faith
A fair contract supports workers, strengthens public services, and benefits the entire Washington County community.
In solidarity,
AFSCME Local 517 Washington County Exempt and Non-Exempt
and Community Members