Minneapolis teachers file strike notice; 92% vote backs possible Nov. 11 walkout
The Minneapolis Federation of Educators filed an intent to strike after a strike-authorization vote passed with 92% support, triggering Minnesota’s 10-day cooling-off period and making Nov. 11 the earliest possible walkout; if a strike occurs, all Minneapolis Public Schools classes, including online, would be canceled. Mediation is ongoing as both sides say they want a deal, with negotiations centered on class sizes, special-education caseloads and pay amid the district’s cited $75 million shortfall from expiring federal funds and declining enrollment and the union’s counterclaims about rising administrator pay and outside contracting; three contracts are being negotiated.
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📌 Key Facts
- The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFE) has filed an intent to strike, triggering the 10-day cooling-off period required by Minnesota law; the earliest possible strike date is Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.
- A strike‑authorization vote passed with 92% support among members who cast ballots.
- If a strike occurs, all Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) classes — including online instruction — would be canceled; mediation between the union and district is expected to continue even during a strike.
- Key bargaining issues include class sizes, special-education caseloads, and pay; union leaders say they seek a 'strong contract' that recognizes MPS's financial constraints while investing in students.
- MPS says it faces a $75 million shortfall tied to expiring federal funds and declining enrollment; the union counters that the district could reprioritize resources, citing more than 30% pay increases for administrators and extensive outside contracting.
- Union lead negotiator Lizz Done and union leadership say their goal is to settle and avoid a strike and expressed willingness to mediate intensively; both sides were in mediation Friday and have scheduled further meetings.
- Three contracts are under negotiation — teachers, education support professionals, and adult educators — and both MPS and MFE say they remain committed to reaching a fair, student-centered agreement that promotes financial stability.
📰 Sources (4)
Minneapolis teachers file strike notice signaling potential Nov. 11 walkout
New information:
- Strike-authorization vote passed with 92% support among members who cast ballots.
- Union and district were in mediation Friday afternoon and exchanged statements reaffirming intent to reach a deal.
- Key bargaining issues highlighted: class sizes, special-education caseloads, and pay.
- Union president Marcia Howard emphasized reaching a 'strong contract' that recognizes MPS's financial situation and invests in students.
Minneapolis teachers file intent to strike: Students could be out of school by Nov. 11
New information:
- MFE has officially filed an intent to strike, triggering the 10-day cooling-off period required by Minnesota law.
- Earliest possible strike date is Tuesday, Nov. 11.
- If a strike happens, all MPS classes — including online — would be canceled; mediation will continue even during a strike.
- Three contracts are under negotiation: education support professionals, teachers, and adult educators.
- MPS statement: aims for a student-centered, fair, competitive agreement that promotes financial stability; MFE says it remains committed to reaching a fair deal.
- Context restated: MPS cites a $75M shortfall tied to expiring federal funds and declining enrollment; the union argues the district can reprioritize, citing >30% leader pay increases and outside contracting.
Minneapolis teachers, district remain optimistic as strike vote continues
New information:
- Teachers entered their second day of strike-authorization voting on Friday; MFE could authorize a strike as early as Monday night, with a 10-day notice required before striking.
- MPS issued a statement saying MPS and MFE are "aligned on values" and committed to quickly reaching an agreement within available resources.
- Union lead negotiator Lizz Done said the goal is to settle and avoid a strike, expressing willingness to mediate "all night" if needed.
- MPS cites a $75 million budget shortfall due to expiring federal funds and declining enrollment; the union argues the district can afford demands, pointing to >30% increases in administrator pay and excessive outside contracting.
- Both sides plan to meet again on Thursday.