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The Minneapolis schools teachers union said Friday it’s filed an intent to strike notice, starting a countdown that could lead to educators walking off the job as early as Nov. 11.
Minneapolis Federation of Educators leaders noted that the filing does not mean teachers will strike and said contract negotiations were continuing as of Friday afternoon, adding there was still “plenty of time” to work out a deal.
In a statement Friday afternoon, Minneapolis Public Schools said it’s “committed to reaching an agreement with MFE that is student-centered, fair, competitive and promotes financial stability for the district.”
The district and the union started negotiating in April. Union officials are negotiating contracts for teachers, educational support professionals and adult educators. The union has been seeking better wages, class size caps and more special education support.
District officials have said the school system faces a challenging financial future.
The Minneapolis district has faced multiple years of budget gaps of $75 to $100 million. Last year voters backed a $20 million technology levy, but officials said that addressed only a portion of the budget concerns.
Earlier this year the district said it would have to cut school nutrition and special education staff along with administrative cuts.
The district has seen its enrollment decline significantly over many years, contributing to its financial problems. Enrollment stabilized last year, but the budget issues haven’t been fully addressed.
The union previously 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.
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