‘Bill of Rights’ would fund $25 minimum wage, health benefits for hourly school staff

As striking food service workers in Hastings put a spotlight on hardships faced by some of the lowest-paid school employees, state lawmakers this week debated bold, new legislation to lift standards for all hourly school workers. The “Education Support Professionals’ Bill of Rights,” introduced by DFLers in both the House and Senate, would establish a […]

School board ducks meeting after striking workers plan to show

Striking food service workers in Hastings have a lot of questions for members of the local school board, who were scheduled to have a public meeting this afternoon. Why won’t the district come back to the bargaining table? Why does the superintendent deserve a 6% raise when 2% is the best he can offer food […]

Hastings food service workers strike for higher wages

“We feed their kids,” school cook Julie Clark said. “They should do more to help us feed ours.”

Food service workers in Hastings schools set Feb. 7 strike date

Food service workers today put the Hastings public school district on notice of their intent to strike Feb. 7 unless the two sides reach agreement on a new union contract before then. “We’re united, and we’re ready to strike if the district won’t pay us what we’re worth and stop nickel-and-diming us about our working […]

Staffing crisis prompts school employees to ask for support, patience

“Take a breath and remember that the educators and staff who chose to come back this fall did so because they really care about the students and want them to succeed,” Education Minnesota President Denise Specht said.