As the University of Minnesota welcomes students back to class, hundreds of its workers could be headed toward a strike as they demand higher pay, among other things.
Members of Teamsters Local 320 held an informational picket this week as first-year students checked into dorms for the first time. Union members like Sara Parcells shared with News Talk 830 WCCO that the picket was about spreading awareness.
"The rally is to show the university how united we are," Parcells said.
University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel told Vineeta Sawkar on the Morning News that the school is working on a solution.
"Negotiations are not easy, but we are very committed to all of our employees, including our represented employees," Gabel said. "We're very confident that as we work through the negotiation, that we will reach a compromise that ensures fairness."
The union represents 1,500 workers on campuses statewide who are looking for higher wages and guaranteed hours year-round.
Gabel also shared that the college is working with the city and the Minneapolis Police on recent crime in the area. She said the school is working to provide more lighting and better awareness and prevention among students.
"As you've seen over the last few weeks, this effort is really working," Gabel said. "Both in terms of the communication and awareness about what's going on and in terms of the statistics and the neighborhoods around campus."
Classes begin on Tuesday, marking the first fully in-person semester in several years.
