City of Virginia could lose 60 workers as union plans to strike

VIRGINIA, MN. (Northern News Now) - Members of the AFSCME 454 union have announced an intent to strike, citing that the Virginia City Council is considering cuts to overtime pay and benefits for city workers.

Sixty city employees would cease working, meaning Virginia’s city services could soon take a hit.

“We have all of public works, which is your storm sewers, your sanitary sewers, your plowing, your garbage,” AFSCME 454 President Scott DaRonco said. “Also, our mechanics, which maintain every piece of equipment the city of Virginia owns.”

DaRonco added they want the same treatment fire and police unions have received. “All we’re asking for is equal benefits and wages that the two other bargaining units have had,” he said.

This comes after multiple city jobs have been cut entirely, including two jobs in recycling among others.

“You’re looking at six positions that they’ve eliminated that I feel, and which it ultimately is, is to balance their budget, ” DeRonco said.

According to Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe Jr., the cuts were made after the City’s levy was set at 4% at the end of 2023.

While a higher levy could have prevented these cuts, Mayor Cuffe says the council wouldn’t budge.

Now, they’re looking to make cuts elsewhere.

Union leaders have met with the city multiple times to negotiate their contracts. After their most recent meeting, the city was notified of ASCME 454′s intent to strike.

Mayor Cuffe said he hopes to come to a deal, but the city is prepared for either outcome. “Without the service of the professional people that will be on strike, we have to have a strike plan in place, which we do,” he said.

Mayor Cuffe said the city could still provide essential services during the strike, but things like regular trash collection would likely cease.

The next meeting between these two parties is on Tuesday, February 27.

The city’s negotiation team includes the city administrator, human resources, legal council and two city councilors.

Local 454 said the council’s negotiation involvement is part of the problem.

If the two parties don’t come to an agreement next Tuesday, Local 454 said they will strike.

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