Minneapolis instructors have submitted an intent to strike notice, potentially triggering a work stoppage affecting tens of thousands of kids. The Minneapolis Federation of Educators (MFE) stated that the filing begins a countdown to educators walking off the job as early as November 11, while union leaders emphasized that this does not guarantee a strike. Kimberly Nietfeld, president of MFE, told Fox9 that “there is still plenty of time to work out a deal,” referring to the continuing contract discussions.
Minneapolis instructors : Union demands and contract discussions
The negotiations began in April and include teachers, educational support workers, and adult educators. The union wants higher pay, smaller class sizes, and more special education help. District administrators have cautioned that the school system’s financial situation makes these demands difficult.
In an interview with Fox9, MPS spokesman Brenda Cassellius stated that the district has a “difficult financial future” and that earlier funding initiatives, such as a $20 million technology levy passed by voters, addressed only a portion of the fiscal difficulties.
Earlier this year, the district indicated prospective reductions in school nutrition and special education staff, as well as administrative positions. Enrollment has been down for many years, contributing to fiscal concerns, though numbers stabilized last year. The district has had to deal with previous deficiencies while striving to sustain educational programs.
History of strikes in Minneapolis.
In 2022, the MFE went on strike for more than two weeks, its first since 1970. Negotiators almost escaped another strike in 2024, reaching an agreement on the eve of a planned strike authorization vote. According to Fox9, union leaders are keenly following the status of present negotiations in hopes of avoiding a work stoppage.
Implications for US education nationwide.
The potential strike highlights more significant concerns in US public education, including class size restrictions, teacher retention, and financial difficulties. Education analyst Dr. Paul Hill told Fox9 that “Minneapolis is a microcosm of what many US districts face: balancing teacher demands with tight budgets.” Such disputes might set a precedent for other districts around the nation if they are not resolved, potentially endangering hundreds of thousands of students’ access to school.
As mediation proceeds, Minneapolis Public Schools teachers have submitted a notice of intent to strike.
Minneapolis Public Schools expressed its hope to settle the contract and acknowledged the union’s efforts. “MPS is committed to reaching an agreement with MFE that is student-centered, fair, competitive and promotes financial stability for the district,” the statement reads.
The district also stated that its new proposal would provide pay equity to adult educators, another union objective, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Adult educators earn less than their counterparts in K-12 schools, early childhood programs, and special education programs for kids up to age 22.
However, compensation disparities between teachers and education support personnel tend to persist.
The district stated that its current plan provides 1% raises to teachers each year of the contract, while accelerating compensation growth by altering the step schedule, which provides for automatic rises ranging from 1 to 11% each year. The district offered lump sum payments and paid school breaks for education support professionals; however, the district stated that the contract currently included 2.5% yearly raises.
The district estimated that the union’s compensation proposal for teachers and ESPs would cost $56 million over the course of the two-year contract.
Earlier this year, the district indicated prospective reductions in school nutrition and special education staff, as well as administrative positions. Enrollment has been down for many years, contributing to fiscal concerns, though numbers stabilized last year. The district has had to deal with previous deficiencies while striving to sustain educational programs.
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