The University and leaders from its largest union met for contract negotiations Sunday at the Bureau of Mediation Services in St. Paul.

At 11 p.m. Sunday, the two had not reached an agreement but were still negotiating. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Locals 3800 and 3801, the unions representing more than 1,900 full-time clerical workers on four University campuses, went on strike Oct. 21 after contract negotiations failed.

Talks came to a standstill Oct. 20 after the union wanted both a 2.5 percent increase to keep up with the cost of living and to maintain yearly step increases of 2.5 percent. The University wanted the union to choose one or the other.

More than 60 union supporters rallied outside the bureau before negotiations began at 1 p.m. Sunday. At the rally, union members thanked University and community members for their support over the past two weeks.

“A lot of people were scared to go on strike, but then you see all this support and you realize people stick together,” said Kristin Dooley, an employee at Mayday Books, which has hosted classes for professors and students who did not want to cross the picket line.

Union gathers support

AFSCME Local 3800 members and supporters planned to march with Students for Dean in the Saturday’s Homecoming Parade, but parade officials would not allow it because the union did not have a separate permit, union member Polly Peterson said.

Instead, AFSCME Local 3800 members and supporters marched on the sidewalks and distributed buttons while Students for Dean carried support signs.

Union member Jeff Pilacinski said the union attempted to present a positive image and communicate their issues to alumni at the parade.

Union members met Friday for a support rally and barbeque lunch at the McNamara alumni center. Strike leaders, state legislators, community members and supporters spoke and marched around the alumni center.

Strikers said they were glad negotiations resumed Sunday.

“That’s a huge victory,” union member Sarah Lange said.

Some union members questioned the results of further negotiations.

“I don’t know how serious the administration is. I think the student support has put us in a better position,” union member Michelle Lamere said.

Union members and supporters said they will continue striking as long as there is no agreement.

“We’ll be out there striking until we get what we need,” union member Jane Vega said.

Morris students walk out

Students walked out of classes at 1:20 p.m. Thursday on the University’s Morris campus to show solidarity with striking University clerical workers.

Students rallied on the campus mall. Afterward, students stood on the picket lines with clerical workers.

The student support at Morris has been wonderful, said union member Laura Thielke who works on the Morris campus.

Thielke said if negotiations do not go well, AFSCME Local 3800 will have to stay on strike, but she said she hoped negotiations went well.