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Board ratifies Teamsters and LELS contracts covering 2026–2028
Summary
Aitkin County ratified tentative agreements with Teamsters Local 346 and LELS 523 covering 2026–2028 that include patterned wage movements (6%/7%/5% across three years), Minnesota paid leave language, and other adjustments.
Human Resources presented two tentative collective bargaining agreements for 2026–2028: Teamsters Local 346 (non‑licensed essential unit) and LELS Local 523 (license‑essential unit). Both agreements reflect a wage pattern carried in prior negotiations (6% in year one, 7% in year two, and 5% in year three), modest increases in employer health insurance contributions, and added language addressing Minnesota paid family and medical leave with a 50/50 premium split and options to use compensated absences to top off benefits.
The county and union negotiating teams reported that the Teamsters settlement was reached in one meeting and LELS in two meetings; both unions had ratified the tentative agreements. The board ratified both agreements and approved a modest increase in the LELS safety footwear allowance to $200 per year. Commissioners thanked bargaining teams and HR for a collaborative process.
