Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) Local 59 President Greta Callahan joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed recent collective bargaining wins by the Minneapolis teachers and support staff following a nearly three – week strike, one of the longest educators strikes in decades.
The Minneapolis educator’s strike lasted from March 8 to March 27, and it was the MFT’s first strike since 1970. Both the teachers and educational support professionals (ESP) voted to approve the contract (76 and 79 percent respectively) offered by the administration.
ESP members won wage increases, as they will go from a starting wage of $19.83 per hour to almost $24 per hour. Teachers also received modest pay raises in addition to mental health support for students. The administration agreed to employ a nurse, school counselor, psychologist or social worker at every secondary site.
Over the course of the strike, the superintendent, HR director and a school board member resigned, which ultimately weighed in favor of the unions, Callahan said. She described the negotiation process as terrifying, as administrators had little interest in the concerns for children. Instead, she felt they were primarily driven by power and control. Ultimately, the striking educators prevailed through union solidarity, including the support of other unions, she added.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about the educators’ successful strike.