AFSCME Local 480 Files Intent to Strike Against Hibbing Schools, Lodges ULPs

AFSCME Council 65, Local 480 filed formal notice of intent to strike against Hibbing Public Schools on February 21, 2026, and lodged unfair labor practice charges that sources say were filed earlier in the week; the filing triggered a 10-day cooling-off period under Minnesota law. The bargaining unit represents about 115 workers including pupil support assistants, secretaries, custodians, and IT workers who provide daily services across Hibbing schools.

Union leaders say the action follows contract negotiations that began in October and a membership ratification in December that the district has not recognized. Local 480’s post and union statements contend that “after successful contract negotiations in October, the workers voted on and accepted the contract in December,” and that new leadership has refused to recognize the agreed-upon contract and sought to reopen bargaining on wage provisions. WDIO quoted the union release saying, “Filing intent to strike is not a step taken lightly. It reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need to protect the integrity of the bargaining process. Our members are simply asking the Board to honor the duly executed Agreement.”

Union members packed the Hibbing High School board room the Wednesday before the Feb. 21 filing and delivered a letter of no confidence demanding the immediate resignations of School Board Director John Berklich and board treasurer Kim McLaughlin for what the union called failure to uphold the terms of the agreement. WDIO also reported union allegations that the district did not add the tentative agreement to the school board agenda for ratification despite multiple requests from the bargaining unit.

Hibbing Public Schools has disputed the union’s account, issuing a statement that “The simple fact is there is no documentation showing the parties reached a mutual tentative agreement on all language and financial items under previous District administration,” and adding that “The District’s current negotiating team has addressed this with AFSCME Local 480’s lead negotiator several times.” In a longer Feb. 19 statement presented by Northern News Now the district emphasized principles of supporting employees, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and protecting long-term stability, warning that solutions must not jeopardize the district’s finances amid what the district described as a projected $2 million shortfall after voters rejected a November referendum.

The staffing picture in recent months has added to the dispute: multiple local reports identify Superintendent Rick Aldrich as having resigned for purposes of retirement and Business Manager Alex Kaczor as having resigned to accept a position outside the district, while Carrie McDonald was named acting superintendent in January. Northern News Now reported that the superintendent, school board chair and business manager resigned “shortly after the contract was ratified,” a detail not corroborated by Hometownsource and Mesabi Tribune, which name only Aldrich and Kaczor; that discrepancy remains unresolved.

The 10-day cooling-off period set in motion by the Feb. 21 filing means state mediation or continued bargaining is expected while the unfair labor practice charges proceed; sources say both sides are being asked to return to the table. AFSCME Council 65’s social post asked supporters to contact School Board members and showed captured engagement metrics of 21 reactions and 49 shares, reflecting local interest as the district and Local 480 move toward mediation and potential further escalation.