U of M service workers holding strike authorization vote

Service workers at the University of Minnesota say a strike authorization vote is underway.

The decision to call for a strike authorization vote comes after union leaders say the University of Minnesota hasn’t addressed staffing needs, wages and employment practices.

Union officials with Teamsters Local 320 add the contract with roughly 1,500 service workers across the University of Minnesota system expired on June 30.

Voting is expected to end on Friday, Oct. 7, with votes being tallied the following Monday.

As previously reported, a practice picket was held last month by union members to bring attention to their complaints. Union leaders say a survey of more than 450 current and former service workers across the system showed more than 62% weren’t able to afford basic expenses each month, and almost 12% reported experiencing homelessness at least once while working at the university. The survey also reported that 28% of respondents were concerned that their race, nationality or ethnicity affects how they’re treated by supervisors.

The university offered the following statement on Monday:

“The University of Minnesota remains committed to reaching a settlement agreement with the Teamsters and our next mediation session is scheduled for October 6 and 7.

“We continue to look for opportunities to collaborate with our union partners and resume mediation in order to reach a solution for Teamsters members before a strike occurs. In the meantime, we are making contingency plans to ensure continuity of operations.”

University of Minnesota