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Food service, custodial and maintenance workers working for the University of Minnesota system have started a rolling strike, the union that represents the employees said Monday night.
According to a news release, Teamsters Local 320 said it started “a successive rolling strike” at the Crookston and Morris campuses at 10 p.m.
A strike is set to begin on Tuesday at 4 a.m. at the campuses in Duluth, Grand Rapids, Waseca and Austin, the union said, and workers at the Twin Cities campuses will begin their strike in the afternoon.
The union said 1,400 workers they represent are asking for a wage increase that “meets or exceeds” 3.5%, which officials said has been provided to other bargaining units, including graduate students. A release sent Friday said workers are also asking to keep their contract end date in line with other campus unions and “maintenance of the tentative agreements reached in mediation.”
Teamsters 320 said 82% of the workers rejected the University’s last offer on Friday.
The university said the following on its website on Monday: “It is our understanding that Teamsters-represented employees will begin to strike within the next 24 hours. While this is disappointing, please be assured that the University is prepared to continue vital services to meet the needs of our students, faculty, staff and community. Some delays or minor disruptions may occur. We appreciate your patience.”
School officials added that they “remain open” to continued discussions with union members through mediation, and hope a resolution can be reached.
The University of Minnesota gave WCCO the following statement regarding the strike:
The University of Minnesota offered Teamsters a fair and equitable contract that addresses their priorities.
The University’s proposed wage increases align to what most University employees are eligible to receive. The proposal includes two $500 lump-sum payments for all Teamsters-represented employees as well as increased shift differentials for those working non-standard hours, and market adjustments retroactive to July 1, 2025 for those in specific positions. In addition, the University offered to take steps to ensure a respectful workplace and extend hold assignments for those on a leave of absence from six to 10 weeks.
The Teamsters misrepresented this offer to the public and the University employees it represents. Our Last, Best and Final Offer balances a good-faith commitment to our employees and the University’s responsibility to be good financial stewards at a time when higher education faces profound financial challenges.
No additional benefits are available to offer to the Teamsters.
The University of Minnesota is committed to reaching an agreement with Teamsters Local 320. We do not want a strike, which we believe will harm our Teamsters-represented employees. Should a strike occur, however, the University is prepared to continue vital services and meet the needs of our students, faculty, staff and community.
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Nick Lentz
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