University of Minnesota Service Workers Strike, Disrupting Campus Services

University of Minnesota Service Workers Strike, Disrupting Campus Services

Service workers at the University of Minnesota, represented by Teamsters Local 320, walked off the job this week in a rolling strike that has disrupted dining, custodial, and support services across the university system.

The strike began Monday at 10 p.m. on the Morris and Crookston campuses, expanded to Duluth on Tuesday morning, and reached the Twin Cities campus at 7 p.m. Tuesday, where picketers marched near residence halls and the medical center. In total, the strike covers about 1,400 custodians, food service workers, maintenance staff, and groundskeepers.

Why Workers Walked Out

Union members overwhelmingly rejected the university’s “last, best, and final” contract offer on Sept. 5, arguing it failed to address wages, staffing shortages, and job protections. Teamsters leaders said the rolling strike is meant to increase pressure after months of stalled negotiations.

Campus Impacts

The university has implemented modified service plans. Impacts include:

• Dining: Reduced cafeteria hours and limited menu options.
• Custodial: Routine cleaning suspended in many noncritical areas.
• Grounds and facilities: Delays in landscaping, trash removal, and maintenance.
• Research: Suspension of elective technical services, animal ordering, and animal transfers tied to research programs.

The university said contingency plans are in place to maintain “vital services,” but acknowledged delays and disruptions are likely.

On the Picket Lines

Picket lines formed on multiple campuses, with about 200 workers and supporters rallying on the Twin Cities campus Tuesday evening. Demonstrators carried signs calling for fair wages and staffing relief, while smaller actions were reported in Duluth, Crookston, and Morris.

What’s Next

Neither side has announced new bargaining sessions. The union has signaled it may expand the strike system-wide if no agreement is reached, while university leaders say they want to resolve the dispute but are prepared to continue contingency operations.

MinneapoliMedia