After three days of state mandated mediation, Teamsters Local 320’s negotiating committee has reached an agreement with the University of Minnesota on a new three-year contract. Two weeks ago, the Teamsters voted to authorize a strike following months of negotiations. The four-day strike scheduled for next week has been called off so a vote can proceed, according to a statement.
The proposed agreement includes at least a 12% wage increase over the life of the contract. Year one includes the implementation of new pay scales with a $20 per hour minimum wage as well as 5% increases at the top. Year two includes market adjustments or a 4% cost of living increase, depending on whichever one is greater. Year three includes a 4% cost-of-living increase. Twenty-six job classifications will also receive market adjustments in the first and second years.
Additionally, all 12-month teamster employees in University Dining will be provided with a minimum of 30 hours of work per year during the summer. A health insurance agreement was also extended to all three years of the proposed contract.
The proposed agreement also ends “hiring in steps” which would have allowed new employees to be paid more than current employees.
“Members of the Teamsters negotiating committee feel that there have been significant gains on many of the priorities identified by the membership, and that it’s worth presenting this agreement for a vote,” said the Teamsters in a statement.