Amid the impasse in contract talks, Minneapolis teachers may hold a strike vote

Minneapolis teachers say they plan to vote this week on whether to allow a strike if they don’t reach an agreement with the district on a new contract.

The Minneapolis Teachers Union said in a statement that negotiations remained “stagnant” after several months of talks. The union has a mediation session scheduled for Tuesday, and says it will hold a strike vote if it cannot reach an agreement with the district at that session.

Teachers are looking for better pay, limits on class sizes, and more counselors and social workers.

“Families and educators in Minneapolis want the same thing – strong neighborhood schools where every child is welcomed, supported and inspired to succeed,” said Marcia Howard, MFE Chief Educator.

Minneapolis Public Schools said in a statement that it proposed a contract that is “aligned with many of MFE’s priorities, including significant investment to reduce class sizes.” The statement said that the region wants to reach an agreement as quickly as possible, amid a limited budget.

Union He went on strike For more than two weeks in 2022, the first strike since 1970. Teachers and the district He narrowly avoided another hit In 2024, an agreement was reached on the eve of a vote to authorize the planned strike.

The Minneapolis Teachers Union said if there is no agreement 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 must give the district at least 10 days’ notice before any work stoppage begins.