Minneapolis teachers say they plan to vote this week on whether to authorize a strike, if they don’t reach an agreement with the district on a new contract.
The Minneapolis Federation of Educators said in a statement that negotiations have been “stagnant,” after several months of talks. The union has a mediation session scheduled for Tuesday, and says it’ll hold a strike vote if they can’t reach an agreement with the district in that session.
Teachers are looking for improved wages, limits on class sizes and more counselors and social workers.
“Minneapolis families and educators want the same thing — strong neighborhood schools where every child is welcomed, supported, and inspired to succeed,” said Marcia Howard, president of the teachers’ chapter of MFE.
In a statement, Minneapolis Public Schools said it’s proposed a contract that’s “aligned with many of MFE’s priorities, including a significant investment to reduce class sizes.” The statement said the district wants to reach an agreement as quickly as possible, amid a tight budget.
The union went on strike for more than two weeks in 2022 — its first strike since 1970. Educators and the district narrowly averted another strike in 2024, reaching an agreement on the eve of a planned strike authorization vote.
The Minneapolis Federation of Educators said that, if there isn’t a deal from Tuesday’s mediation session, it will take a strike vote over several days — Oct. 23, 24 and 27. If union members vote to strike, the union is required to give the district at least 10 days’ notice before any work stoppage begins.
