Cass County Commissioners Force Unfair Deal

Following a filed intent to strike and a grueling mediation process where Cass County commissioners refused to move an inch, AFSCME Local 2195 courthouse workers were given notice by the County that they will be implementing their proposed detrimental CBA. The county commissioners have shown zero remorse or understanding of the financial struggles of their own workforce, effectively penalizing vulnerable employees while leaving working families to bear the burden.

During recent strike mediation, county leadership demonstrated total indifference to the livelihoods of their employees. The impact of this increase disproportionally affects employees. For example: A custodian would experience a 6.5% exposure of their annual salary, whereas the County administrator is only experiencing a 1.6% negative impact. 

The county’s lowest-paid workers, who are already struggling to make ends meet, are now saddled with an extra $6,000 in annual out-of-pocket healthcare expenses if they use their insurance. A Cass County Employee said, "An extra $6,000 a year in healthcare costs means choosing between going to the doctor or paying rent. It’s shameful that they are punishing the very people who keep this county running."

This forced deal comes after the county spent months violating the Union Contract. In the summer of 2025, insurance labor-management committee meetings were held to discuss healthcare options. The County entered these meetings with no intention of listening and forced a switch to an insurance plan with sky-high deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs.

Under Minnesota Statutes, a public employer is legally prohibited from reducing the aggregate value of health care insurance benefits for employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The Cass County Commissioners actively violated the contract, broke state law, and then used bullying tactics, including threatening to withhold retroactive backpay earned since January 1, 2026, to force the workers' hand.

By weaponizing backpay and refusing to negotiate in good faith, these elected officials have shown a complete lack of decency and leadership. Local 2195 fought hard to preserve the livelihoods of its most vulnerable members, but the county's refusal to compromise has left local families facing severe financial distress.