University of Minnesota reaches tentative agreement with service workers

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A tentative settlement is in place between the College of Minnesota and a union representing a whole lot of service staff on the college, who have been set to go on strike this week.

In keeping with Teamsters Native 320, which represents about 1,500 service staff on Twin Cities and Duluth campuses, together with custodians, upkeep, and meals service staff amongst others, the settlement was reached on Saturday.

Earlier this month, the 1,500 staff voted “overwhelmingly” to authorize a strike. Final week, the union introduced a four-day strike beginning Wednesday, October 26, if no deal was reached.

In a press release Sunday morning, Teamsters Native 320 stated the tentative settlement got here after three days of state-mandated mediation. The union says the deal comes with “wage will increase and cost-of-living changes to prolonged work alternatives for our seasonal employees.” The wage will increase embrace a beginning wage of $20 per hour, the union provides, together with ensures that year-round staff will obtain not less than 30 hours per week in the course of the summer time.

The settlement nonetheless must be accepted by union members. A vote on the deal shall be held within the subsequent two weeks, the union says. In the interim, subsequent week’s strike has been known as off.