Support the Timberjay by making a donation.

Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Teamsters drop representation for former city clerk

Marshall Helmberger
Posted 1/16/20

TOWER— The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 320, has formally withdrawn its representation of former Tower City Clerk-Treasurer Linda Keith, which likely brings an end to any …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Teamsters drop representation for former city clerk

Posted

TOWER— The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 320, has formally withdrawn its representation of former Tower City Clerk-Treasurer Linda Keith, which likely brings an end to any grievance process that might have restored Keith to her former position.
 The Teamsters had been representing Keith in a grievance she filed with the union in the wake of her dismissal in August of 2019, but the union never pursued the claim while Keith faced criminal prosecution for falsifying city records and, later, destruction of city property.
The state Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS), which oversees union grievances ,among its other roles, informed the city late last month that the Teamsters had withdrawn its representation for the city clerk-treasurer position.
BMS Commissioner Janet Johnson told the Timberjay this week that the union’s decision does not automatically preclude Keith from pursuing the grievance herself. “But going forward she would have to pay her half of the cost of arbitration and it is very costly,” said Johnson. City attorney Mitch Brunfelt had previously told the city council that the city’s share of the cost of arbitration could easily run $20,000-$30,000.
The latest action by the Teamsters means that the city will have largely avoided any significant costs associated with the dismissal of Keith. The city had agreed to a separation agreement with Keith in late July that would have provided her with a modest settlement, but Keith later rescinded her signature on that agreement, leaving her with nothing. Keith’s attempts to obtain unemployment compensation were unsuccessful because she was dismissed from her position with cause.
Keith continues to face prosecution on her two criminal charges. Her next court appearance is set for Feb. 24.

linda keith, teamsters