University of Minnesota Service Workers Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement

In early September 2025, more than 1,400 service workers at the University of Minnesota, represented by Teamsters Local 320, initiated a strike across multiple campuses, including Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and the Twin Cities. This marked the first system-wide strike by the union since its establishment at the university in the 1970s.

The strike was prompted by the university administration's "last, best, and final offer," which proposed a 3% wage increase in the first year and a 2% increase in the second year, along with a $1,000 bonus. Union members overwhelmingly rejected this offer, with 82% voting against it, citing concerns over insufficient wage increases and proposed changes to the contract expiration date. The administration sought to shift the contract's end date to December, potentially forcing future strikes during Minnesota's harsh winters.

The strike led to significant disruptions in campus services, including reduced dining options and delayed maintenance. The absence of custodial, maintenance, food service, and sanitation workers underscored the critical role these employees play in the university's daily operations.

On September 12, 2025, following a massive rally and facing the potential cancellation of the Farm Aid concert—which had pledged to honor the picket lines—the university administration reached a tentative agreement with the union. The agreement included higher wage increases and maintained the contract expiration date in July. Union members returned to work on September 14, 2025, with the agreement pending ratification by both the union members and the university's Board of Regents.

Christy O’Connor, a shop steward and negotiating committee member from Minneapolis, expressed her sentiments during a celebratory Zoom call with Teamster members:

“I hope everybody is feeling a sense of accomplishment, because I know I am. I feel like this was one of the biggest fights I’ve ever fought in my life. … I’m so incredibly proud of what we have accomplished.”

Kayli Saubus, a member of the Teamsters negotiating committee from the University of Minnesota Duluth, highlighted the challenges faced during negotiations:

“The university doubted us and tried to bully us every step of the way. They thought they could bully us into accepting their insulting proposal. … They thought they could scare us out of going on strike, but we struck and we won.”

The strike highlighted broader issues of labor relations within higher education institutions. It underscored the importance of fair compensation and working conditions for service workers, whose contributions are vital yet often overlooked. The solidarity demonstrated by students, faculty, and external organizations, such as Farm Aid, reflects a growing awareness and support for labor rights. This event may set a precedent for future labor negotiations within academic institutions, emphasizing the necessity for equitable treatment of all staff members.

While this was the first strike by Teamsters Local 320 at the University of Minnesota since the 1970s, labor tensions have been present in recent years. In 2022, the union voted to authorize a walkout before reaching a last-minute agreement that secured a $20/hour starting wage and other benefits. This history indicates a pattern of contentious negotiations between the university administration and its service workers.

The University of Minnesota service workers' strike serves as a poignant example of the challenges and triumphs inherent in labor negotiations within higher education. It underscores the critical importance of fair treatment and compensation for all employees and highlights the power of solidarity in effecting meaningful change.