Teamsters Local 320 started striking Monday at 10 p.m. on Morris and Crookston campuses, followed by Duluth and then Twin Cities at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

MINNEAPOLIS — As of 10 p.m. Monday, some service workers at the University of Minnesota are walking off the job — the first strike in recent memory. 

It impacts everything from dining services to trash and removal.

The strike first took effect at the Crookston and Morris campuses. On Tuesday, workers go on strike in Duluth at 4 a.m. and then at 7 p.m. across the Twin Cities. 

Teamsters Local 320 represents 1,400 maintenance, food service and janitorial staff, and has been negotiating with the school since March.

“I’ve been involved with the process since pretty early on, and I didn’t necessarily expect it to get to this point,” said U of M gardener Grady Johnson. He’s worked for the university for six years, also focusing on irrigation and snow removal. 

“Landscapes take labor, right, so we work really hard year-round to maintain this campus and we’re very proud of that,” said Johnson. 

The U presented what it calls its last, best and final contract proposal in August. It included a 3% raise from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Then a 2.0% raise from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, to all pay steps or the Board of Regents-approved Compensation Plan, whichever is higher.

According to a university official, over the past three years, the Board of Regents has approved salary increases of 3.0% (FY25), 3.75% (FY24) and 3.85% (FY23).

The U is also agreeing to pay a lump sum of $1,000. 

The union rejected that offer the next month, which then officially expired on Sept. 5. Johnson says 82% of its members voted against it.

“There is never really a great time to do this, but we feel that we’re given no other option by the administration,” said Johnson. “We’re among some of the lowest-paid workers at the University, so people really feel that.”

Some of the services that will be halted or delayed include retail dining, campus mail and emergency maintenance repairs. The U laid out the impact details online and said in a statement, “the University is prepared to continue vital services and meet the needs of our students, faculty, staff and community.”

Johnson says the union is prepared to strike until its demands are met. He says they’re backed by enhanced strike benefits of $1,000 a week.

“We really like to be here, and we want to be here, and really it’s up to the University,” said Johnson.

Statement from the University of Minnesota

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.Â