Teamsters Local 320 Wins $20/hour Minimum Wage, Cost-of-Living Raises, New Work for Summer Staff

Minneapolis, Minn. – University of Minnesota (UMN) service workers represented by Teamsters Local 320 today voted overwhelmingly to ratify their new contract, securing significant wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments for all members, as well as extended work opportunities for seasonal staff. It was the highest turnout for a contract ratification vote by the group to date.

The proposed three-year agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2022 and will expire on June 30, 2025. It includes a starting minimum wage of $20/hour for all Teamsters, with 5 percent increases for the most tenured members in the first year. With additional market adjustments and cost-of-living increases, Teamsters will receive at least an 11.85 percent wage increase over the life of the contract. 

“After months of hard bargaining and a strike authorization, we’re so excited to announce that we have ratified a new contract that will improve the working conditions of all UMN Teamsters and put more money in workers’ pockets. It wasn’t an easy process, but we remained strong throughout negotiations and stuck together, and that’s why we have this win today,” said S​​ara Parcells, a University of Minnesota Building and Grounds Worker. “Service workers are the backbone of UMN. This incredible Teamsters contract will ensure that the University treats us like the essential workers we are. We look forward to continuing our essential work on campus and keeping UMN up and running for its students.”

In addition to better wages, the contract ensures all 12-month Teamsters in University Dining will be provided a minimum of 30 hours of work per week during the summer months. Currently, UMN employs many of its dining workers for only nine months, leaving them with no summer income. The contract will secure work for Teamsters dining workers through the year, helping them support their families and raise their standard of living.

The agreement also secures extended health care benefits, includes a seat for one Teamster on the Twin Cities Campus Sustainability Committee, adds Juneteenth as a paid holiday, and other benefits.

“Our members at UMN refused to back down, reminded UMN of their power, and fought for this excellent contract. This win won’t just improve our members’ working conditions — it will ensure they can put food on the table for their families, pay bills on time, afford rent, and steadily advance their daily lives,” said Brian Aldes, Local 320 Secretary-Treasurer. “I also want to thank Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien for his support and the support of the entire Teamsters Union. It helped our members to know that all 1.2 million Teamsters across the country were standing behind them.” 

Teamsters Local 320 represents 1,500 workers at UMN who clean buildings, service dormitories, maintain grounds, prepare food, maintain HVAC systems, care for research animals, drive trucks, and perform other activities across the University’s five campuses.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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