AFSCME union members and others representing Ramsey County workers picketed Tuesday in protest of the county’s proposal to close its Detox and Withdrawal Management Program.
Organized by members with AFSCME Council 5, AFSCME Local 8 and AFSCME Local 151, picketers shared concerns about service privatization, loss of their jobs and loss of access to care as they protested outside the Ramsey County Detoxification Center at 402 University Ave. E. in St Paul.
County officials last month shared their proposed budget for 2026 and 2027 which includes closing the program on Dec. 31 if the budget is approved. The proposed budget also includes the reduction of 43 staff positions.
Those services will then move to community providers, according to county officials.
County officials have said the p