Teamsters Local 320 Union Announce Potential Strike Dates Amidst University Negotiations

The Teamsters Local 320 Union have announced that they are moving forward with strike dates if the University of Minnesota campus system doesn’t agree to further negotiations.

Teamsters Local 320 Union members and supporters picketing outside of Kirby Student Center on Sept. 26
-- Photo Supplied by Teamsters Local 320 Facebook page

Due to the minimal progress made in negotiations, The Teamsters said that a strike could take place as early as Oct. 26 if they don’t come to an agreement with the university. 

In a facebook update posted on Oct. 20, the Teamsters announced a four-day warning for the strike.

“The strike will begin on the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022,” The facebook post stated. “The strike on the University of Minnesota-Duluth campus will begin at 12:01am on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.”

The Teamsters voted to strike on Oct. 10 after a two weeks voting process. The results came in 93% in favor of authorizing a strike. 

“We’re not excited that we’re at this point in our bargaining,” said Brian Aldes, principal officer and secretary treasurer of Teamsters Local 320, in a press conference. “We’ve always approached our bargaining with the intent of reaching a mutual agreement that meets the needs of the people represented by the Teamsters.” 

The university looks to further conversations and ultimately come to a mutually beneficial agreement with the union. 

“We are fully committed to continuing to find common ground with our valued employees and their leadership and to avoid a disruptive strike that would hurt members of our university community—including those employees,” said Kenneth E. Horstman, vice president for human resources at the University of Minnesota, in an email sent on Oct.12 to faculty, staff and students. 

In the event of a strike, university operations such as dining services, housing, grounds and other services would be shut down until the Teamsters terms are accepted. Student workers have also voiced their solidarity. 

“We've had a lot of students reaching out to us asking how they can help and telling us they're not going to go to work,” Dining service worker Karrie Young said. “We’ve gotten a lot of support from the students here. It’s nice to see the ones that want to be involved.” 

Members of the union advise students to stock up on supplies in order to prepare for the absence of service workers. To find out more information, head to the Teamsters’ Facebook page.