Minneapolis educators to vote on strike after negotiations fail

Minneapolis teachers and the district failed to reach an agreement after a 15-hour mediation session, prompting a strike vote among educators. Voting will take place Thursday through Monday, with a potential walkout delayed until November due to a mandatory 10-day waiting period. The district stated it shares the union's goals but must contend with budget limitations and potential state and federal funding cuts. Teachers are asking for pay increases of 7% for 2025-26 and 6% for 2026-27, while education support professionals seek raises of 12% and 10% over two years. The Minneapolis Federation of Educators asserts that the district could utilize budget reserves to fund the proposed increases.

The district claims that accommodating all class size proposals may require relocating students from six schools. The previous teachers' contract, which provided the highest pay increase in 25 years, expired on June 30. A follow-up mediation session is set for October 30 to continue negotiations.