University of Minnesota Teamsters Take Bold Step with Strike Notice: What This Means for Students and Staff

Minneapolis, MN – On August 7, about 1,400 facilities and dining workers at the University of Minnesota filed an intent to strike with the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services. This decision followed a striking 97% vote in favor of the action.

These workers belong to Teamsters Local 320, which has promised strike benefits of $1,000 per week for those involved. The potential strike will affect all five University of Minnesota campuses, especially the busy Twin Cities campus. Affected workers include building cleaners, maintenance staff, and truck drivers, among others.

The Teamsters state that their primary reason for striking is the university’s lack of progress in contract negotiations. The workers are facing low wages and cuts to benefits. Their contract expired on June 30, and negotiations have faltered since then. The university’s latest offer, which spans two and a half years, includes raises of only 2.5% in the first year and 1% in the second. At the same time, the university has proposed a 10% increase in healthcare costs, which could effectively lower workers’ pay.

Long-time worker Christy O’Connor, who has dedicated 26 years to the university, shared her concerns. “Our pay isn’t keeping up with inflation,” she said. “Many of us are forced to work multiple jobs. We’re struggling to support our families.”

Additionally, the Teamsters have criticized the university for not addressing harassment issues within the food services run by Chartwells Higher Ed, a subsidiary of Compass Group. Recent university data showed a shocking 96% increase in disciplinary actions over two years. Notably, while women make up only 40% of the dining services workforce, most of the suspensions have been targeted at female workers. Since 2000, Compass Group has faced nearly $35 million in fines, including significant penalties for discrimination.

Christina Magee, a food service worker on the Twin Cities campus for nine years, expressed frustration. “Management harasses a lot of workers,” she said. “We’ve brought these issues to UMN’s attention, but the university seems indifferent.”

The strike could commence anytime after August 20. This timing is critical as the week starting August 25 is known as “move-in week,” a hectic time for the university as students return to campus. A strike during this week could have significant consequences, causing disruptions amidst the usual hustle and bustle.

In a broader context, this situation reflects a growing trend in labor disputes across the country, where workers are increasingly demanding fair compensation and better working conditions amid rising living costs. Recent surveys show that workers nationwide feel the squeeze of inflation and stagnant wages, prompting similar movements in various sectors.

For more details on workplace rights and labor regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website here.



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