Union: 1,400 University Of Minnesota Service Workers Go On Strike

DULUTH, Minn. — A strike is officially on for 1,400 University of Minnesota employees with Teamsters Local 320 – and that includes 185 employees at UMD.

Teamsters President Erik Skoog confirmed to FOX 21 around 4:30 p.m. Monday that some campuses within the U of M system began the picket Monday evening.

UMD’s picket will begin Tuesday morning, according to Skoog.

The employees striking include those in custodial, maintenance and food service.

The strike comes after the union voted down the university’s “last, best and final offer” on Friday.

The union wants at least a 3.5% wage increase, among other demands.

The university is offering a 3% increase.

Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota said its offer is “fair and equitable.”  Besides the wage increase, the offer includes two $500 lump sum payments and an extension those on leave of absence from six to 10 weeks, according to the university.

in a new statement from U of M Monday, it reads in part:

“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.”

The statement went on to say:

“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.”

As for Teamsters Local 320, its latest statements read in part:

“Our goal is not to strike, but to secure an agreement that meets the needs of University Teamsters.”

“The ball is now in the University’s court to make this right or face a work stoppage.”

“The University better get right with its Teamster workers or a strike is imminent.”