More than 1,400 service workers at the University of Minnesota are on strike across all system campuses, including Crookston. The striking employees include custodial staff, food service workers, maintenance personnel, and sanitation teams, all members of the Teamsters Local 320 union.
According to the union, members voted by 82 percent to reject the University’s last offer. The contract proposal included a three percent base wage increase in the first year, a minimum two percent raise in year two, $500 lump-sum payments, market-based pay adjustments, and enhanced shift differentials. The union demands wage parity with other university bargaining units, including those that received a 3.5 percent raise.
KROX talked with UMC Teamster Local 320 union member Keaton Limper and he said, “The local 320 Teamsters are on strike because we have not been able to reach a deal with the University of Minnesota for an end to poverty wages, better working conditions in dining services, overall improvement of our quality of life. You know the cost of living, inflation is on the rise and the University is not keeping up with other more competitive employers, so that’s why we are here.”
The University of Minnesota, in an email to KROX, said the Crookston campus has about 40 Teamsters-represented employees who mostly work in facilities, dining services, and farm animal attendants. However, not all Teamsters-represented employees at Crookston have opted to join the strike.
The University of Minnesota said in a statement-
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 did not want a strike, which we believe harms our Teamsters-represented employees. However, the University is prepared to continue vital services and meet the needs of our students, faculty, staff and community.
The University of Minnesota says students should expect limited dining options, reduced custodial services, slower maintenance response times, and potential mail delivery delays.
According to the University of Minnesota Human Resources website, the Crookston campus can expect the following in each department-
Dining Services – The Eagles Nest is closed and Brown Dining Hall will have a “block” dining schedule and will close in between meals.
Facilities and Operations – Delays in service times for custodial and building maintenance. (Reducing to smaller meeting rooms when possible to reduce setup/clean up times.)
Residential Life and Security – Security response may take longer than usual. Parking enforcement will be suspended.
Printing Services – Critical maintenance is being completed as scheduled. Non-essential requests are experiencing a delay in turnaround.
Mail Room – Services are limited.
