City of Virginia enacts emergency ordinance as potential strike grows closer

VIRGINIA, MN. (Northern News Now) - Tensions are growing in the City of Virginia as the clock ticks toward a possible strike.

While it is not guaranteed, a strike is certainly more likely after another failed mediation session between the city and AFSCME Local 454 union leaders.

On Tuesday, the city made its final offer to 60 union workers threatening to walk off the job. Amid these talks, the city council also took emergency action to stop what they consider to be disruptive picketing practices.

It’s one of many mediation sessions stemming from Virginia’s plan to cut overtime pay and benefits for city workers.

The union represents Virginia’s public works, including those who handle storm sewers, sanitary sewers, plowing, and garbage collection. It also includes city mechanics and other jobs.

Negotiations were paused on Tuesday to allow for a preplanned city council meeting, in which the council passed an emergency ordinance to ban what they call targeted residential picketing.

“The city council finds that targeted residential picketing in front of or about a residential dwelling causes emotional distress to the dwelling’s occupants,” Mayor Larry Cuffe Jr. explained during the meeting.

Union members confirmed to Northern News Now they recently picketed on public property outside a city councilor’s home.

Now, protesting near private residences is a misdemeanor crime in Virginia, even if protestors are on public property.

Shannon Douvier, a representative for AFSCME Local 454, said the city’s ordinance is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent.

“I think that everybody believes they should have the freedom to speak out against their government,” Douvier said. “Every citizen in Virginia, or across Minnesota, should be concerned when their local governments try to squash their freedoms and abilities to speak up.”

The union claims a councilor brought a bucket of pacifiers to the city council meeting, hoping to send a message that the union is acting childish.

The city has not verified that claim, but images of the incident can be found on social media.

Contract negotiations resumed following the city council meeting. The city made its final offer during that session, but the union has not yet accepted it.

Local 454 still has time to accept the new contract, but Douvier believes that is unlikely.

Union members could begin striking as soon as March 5.

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