Teamsters
University of Minnesota service workers rally after rejecting the university’s final contract offer. The strike has disrupted campus services across the system. Photo courtesy of Teamsters

MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 9, 2025) — More than 1,400 service workers at the University of Minnesota (U of M) have begun a rolling strike across multiple campuses, according to Teamsters Local 320 and university officials.

The strike started late Monday night at the Crookston and Morris campuses and is expanding to Duluth, Grand Rapids, Waseca, and Austin. Workers at the Twin Cities campus are expected to join by Tuesday afternoon. The striking employees include custodial staff, food service workers, maintenance personnel, and sanitation teams.

Members of Teamsters Local 320 voted by 82% to reject the university's "last, best and final offer," the union said. The contract proposal included a 3% base wage increase in the first year, a minimum 2% raise in year two, $500 lump-sum payments, market-based pay adjustments, and enhanced shift differentials. The union is demanding wage parity with other university bargaining units, including those that received a 3.5% raise.

"Our goal is not to strike, but to secure an agreement that meets the needs of university Teamsters," said Jackson Kerr, Local 320's lead negotiator. "The university better agree to a fair contract with its Teamsters workers, or a strike is imminent" added Erik Skoog, Local 320 president.

In response, U of M assured that essential operations would continue. The university said in a statement.

"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.

Campus-specific services impacted by the strike will be updated daily on the OHR website:

The University remains open to continued discussions with Teamsters through the Bureau of Mediation Services. We hope a resolution can be reached that supports our employees and ensures that the University remains good financial stewards."

Students should expect limited dining options, reduced custodial services, slower maintenance response times, and potential delays in mail delivery. The university is updating a strike impact webpage with campus-specific details.