Food service, custodial and maintenance employees working for the University of Minnesota system are continuing their rolling strike on Thursday after some picketers were arrested in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Twelve people picketing outside Pioneer Hall were issued citations and were released, university officials said in a statement released early Thursday morning, adding picketers had received multiple warnings and were obstructing a lawful order. 

The university also said citations were issued in Duluth after security footage showed a picketer smashing a sign on a vehicle. And in Fairview, officials said picketers blocked deliveries of essential supplies to its medical center, with security services and police needed to ensure delivery. 

Late Wednesday evening, Teamsters Local 320 released a statement saying in part, "The University's heavy-handed conduct was captured in multiple videos and the Union is confident the public will see the University's scare tactics for what they are — an intent by the University to use its police department to intimidate and chill union members in the exercise of their right to lawfully picket."

University officials are also claiming some picketers verbally threatened to report temporary workers to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

"The University of Minnesota respects our employees' rights to collectively bargain and participate in lawful picketing. Reports we have received about the actions of some picketers on our Twin Cities and Duluth campuses, however, threaten the community's safety and are extremely concerning," officials said in a statement released on Wednesday evening.

Union leaders said they were unaware of any reports or alleged conduct.

The union said on Monday it started "a successive rolling strike" at the Crookston and Morris campuses late that evening. Early Tuesday morning, the strike began at campuses in Duluth, Grand Rapids, Waseca and Austin, with Twin Cities workers joining that afternoon. 

The union said the 1,400 workers they represent are asking for a wage increase that "meets or exceeds" 3.5%, which officials said has been provided to other bargaining units, including graduate students. A release sent on Sept. 5 said workers are also asking to keep their contract end date in line with other campus unions and "maintenance of the tentative agreements reached in mediation."

The union said 82% of the workers rejected the university's last offer on Friday. 

The university calls the strikes "disappointing," and assured its system is "prepared to continue vital services to meet the needs of our students, faculty, staff and community." Officials added that they "remain open" to continued discussions with union members through mediation, and hope a resolution can be reached.

The university said in a statement released on Monday it had "offered Teamsters a fair and equitable contract that addresses their priorities" with proposed wage increases aligning "to what most University employees are eligible to receive," including two lump-sum payments of $500, as well as "increased shift differentials for those working non-standard hours, and market adjustments retroactive to July 1, 2025 for those in specific positions.

U officials also said it will bolsterer efforts to "ensure a respectful workplace."