MPR: State employees strike affects many services

State employees strike affects many services
ASSOCIATED PRESS
October 1, 2001
Here is a look at some of the ways the strike by Minnesota state government employees will affect the public.

State parks, trails and public lake access points are open, but with fewer programs.

Fall hunting seasons continue as planned and DNR conservation officers remain on duty.

National Guard troops are assisting at regional treatment centers, group homes, sex offender facilities, state nursing homes.

Classes continue in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, but MnSCU workers involved in groundskeeping, janitorial upkeep, food service and administrative services are on strike.

University of Minnesota workers are not on strike because they bargain separately from other state employees.

The Health Department is reserving resources for the most critical functions, such as disease outbreaks, and may not have enough staff for all restaurant and food safety inspections.

The ability to process evidence at Bureau of Criminal Apprehension crime lab is slowed.

The Division of Driver and Vehicle Services, which handles driver's license testing, renewals and auto registrations, has reduced services.

State troopers and BCA investigators are not on strike. Private security guards will be hired to replace striking Capitol Security workers.

State prison guards are prohibited from striking.

Road construction projects are privately contracted and aren't affected, but routine maintenance such as mowing along highways is being curtailed.

Most available Revenue Department personnel are being diverted to tax collections. Payments to local governments, charities, nursing homes and the like might be delayed.

Jobless Minnesotans can file unemployment insurance claims via the Internet (www.mnwfc.org) or automated phone lines (651-296-3644 or 1-877-898-9090) and receive benefits, but job placement services are limited.

Department of Agriculture food, dairy and meat inspections will continue, along with responses to pesticide spills and other emergencies, but perhaps at reduced levels.

The Minnesota Zoo is closed, with managers caring for animals.

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