University of Minnesota Teamsters Reject Employer's Offer, Demand Fair Deal

Teamsters Reject University of Minnesota's Final Contract Offer

In a decisive move, over 1,400 members of Teamsters Local 320 at the University of Minnesota have overwhelmingly turned down the university's last contract proposal, with 82% of the votes opposing it. These employees play essential roles in custodial, maintenance, food service, and other key operations that are vital to the university’s functionality.

Jackson Kerr, the leading negotiator and business agent at Local 320, stated, “Today, Teamsters have sent a message to the University of Minnesota. Our goal is not to strike, but to secure an agreement that meets the needs of university Teamsters.”

Erik Skoog, the President of Local 320, warned, “The university better agree to a fair contract with its Teamsters workers, or a strike is imminent. Teamsters won’t back down until our demands are met.”

The Teamsters have laid out specific demands that need attention to prevent a potential strike:

• A wage increase that matches or surpasses the 3.5% increment provided to other bargaining units, such as graduate students
• Ensuring the contract expiration aligns with other campus unions in June
• Preservation of tentative agreements achieved during mediation

Local 320 has kept the door open for a lawful work stoppage, and may re-file its intent to strike with the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services if necessary, adhering to the required statutory procedures.

Brian Aldes, Local 320's Secretary-Treasurer, emphasized, “A system-wide strike remains an option as we maneuver through the next several days and talk to members on the campuses. The ball is now in the university’s court to make this right or face a work stoppage.”

Teamsters Local 320 represents a diverse group of public sector workers throughout Minnesota. For further details, visit teamsterslocal320.org.