The Teamsters Local 320 posted on Facebook that union members voted 112-1 on Sunday in Virginia. This is after no agreements on contract negotiations have been made between the union and the St. Louis County Public Works Department. 

Teamsters Local 320 Recording Secretary Erik Skoog tells WDIO News union members believe they aren't receiving the same benefits of other workers throughout the county. Skoog also says the wages are not enticing enough to recruit and retain new employees, and that there is a seniority issue when it comes to work assignments. 

Negotiations have been going on for some time, including a 19 hour mediation session that was held last week. The current contract for county union members ends on December 31.

The union will file its intent to strike with the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services before January 1, 2020. After that, there is a 10-day "cooling off period" before there can be any action taken.  

Skoog says there is a strike date in mind, but it isn't being released to the public. He says a potential strike doesn't have anything to do with the long hours that plow drivers have been working, but rather that the union members believe they aren't being recognized and fairly compensated for their work. 

“We have received notification that members of Teamsters Local 320 have rejected a contract proposal as part of labor negotiations for contracts effective January 2020.

Teamsters Local 320 represents approximately 200 employees including equipment operators, heavy equipment mechanics, bridge workers, sign technicians, storekeepers and other positions in the Public Works Department.

We respect the negotiations process and will continue to negotiate in good faith. We value these employees and the important work they do, and are optimistic that a positive outcome will be reached,” St. Louis County Communications Manager Dana Kazel sent in an emailed statement to WDIO News.