For Immediate Release: 06/08/2026

Media Contact: Katie Jackson, Chief of Staff, Teamsters Local 320

Email: kjackson@teamsterslocal320.org

Phone: (612) 760-8603

TEAMSTERS LOCAL 320 ANNOUNCES MASSIVE $100,000 DONATION TO CHISAGO COUNTY STRIKE AND DEFENSE FUND

ROCHESTER, MN — In a powerful demonstration of labor solidarity, Teamsters Local 320’s membership voted unanimously during Saturday’s monthly meeting to inject $100,000 into the Chisago County Strike and Defense Fund.

As the historic strike enters its sixth week, union leadership is amplifying its call for county commissioners to come to the bargaining table and resolve the standoff. On Thursday, the union extended a formal invitation to all county commissioners and their negotiating team to meet with the Bureau of Mediation Services and the Teamsters Local 320 negotiating committee—composed directly of county employees. To help break the deadlock and advance negotiations, the union proposed meeting at a local Lutheran church for a neutral, open, and respectful dialogue.

Despite public declarations from the county claiming a willingness to negotiate, their outside legal counsel issued a flat refusal on Friday to attend the meeting. Erik Skoog, Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 320, expressed sharp disappointment over the county's mixed messaging. “Our members show up every single day to serve the Chisago County community, yet leadership is giving them the cold shoulder," Skoog said. "Turning down a genuine invitation to talk sends a clear and troubling message that these commissioners are walking away from their elected duties.”

Our momentum continues to build across the region. Just last week, regional Teamster locals rallied behind the cause with substantial financial contributions, alongside a critical $5,000 solidarity donation from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Moving into day 38 of the strike, the union negotiating committee urges county leaders to finally listen to their community, honor their workforce, and settle this dispute.

Erik Skoog
Secretary-Treasurer
Teamsters Local 320
Cell: (612) 581-9873
Office: (612) 378-8708