For the first time in 52 years, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers, Local 59 (MFT) went on strike last year. About 4,500 public educators from the union’s two chapters—one for teachers and one for educational support professionals (ESPs)—walked off the job in March 2022. In bargaining MFT 59 prioritized wage increases, particularly for the poorly paid ESPs, along with improvements to working conditions, resources for student mental health supports, and programs to address racial disparities.
