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Minneapolis Educators Authorize Strike, Mediation Set for Thursday

Talks center on class-size caps, special-education staffing, pay under tight district finances.

Overview

  • The strike authorization passed with 92% support among roughly 3,600 ballots cast across three bargaining units representing more than 4,300 workers.
  • The union has not filed the required 10‑day notice, and no strike date has been set as state-mediated negotiations continue Thursday.
  • Educators seek enforceable class-size limits, added special-education support and higher pay, including proposals of 7% then 6% for teachers and 12% then 10% for support staff.
  • District leaders cite a $75 million budget shortfall and say many union priorities are addressed in current proposals, emphasizing agreements must fit available resources.
  • MPS warns that deeper class-size reductions could force student relocations at several schools and estimates a partial caseload change could cost about $72 million and trigger program cuts.