Minneapolis teachers have filed an intent to strike notice, potentially signalling a work stoppage that could affect tens of thousands of students. The Minneapolis Federation of Educators (MFE) said the filing starts a countdown that could see educators walk off the job as early as Nov. 11, although union leaders stressed it does not automatically mean a strike will occur. MFE President Kimberly Nietfeld told Fox9 that “there is still plenty of time to work out a deal,” emphasising that contract negotiations are ongoing.The move comes amid long-running disputes over wages, class sizes, and special education support. Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) said it remains “committed to reaching an agreement with MFE that is student-centred, fair, competitive and promotes financial stability for the district,” as quoted by Fox9. The district has highlighted financial challenges, including multiple years of budget gaps ranging from $75 million to $100 million.Union demands and contract talksNegotiations began in April and cover teachers, educational support professionals, and adult educators. The union is seeking better wages, limits on class sizes, and increased special education support. District officials have warned that the school system’s financial position makes these demands challenging. In conversation with Fox9, MPS spokesperson Brenda Cassellius said the district faces a “difficult financial future” and that previous funding measures, such as a $20 million technology levy approved by voters, addressed only part of the budget issues.Earlier this year, the district announced potential cuts to school nutrition and special education staff, along with reductions in administrative roles. Declining enrolment over many years has contributed to these fiscal pressures, although numbers stabilised last year. The district has had to manage previous shortfalls while trying to maintain educational services.History of strikes in MinneapolisThe MFE went on strike in 2022 for more than two weeks, marking its first strike since 1970. Negotiations narrowly avoided another strike in 2024, with an agreement reached on the eve of a planned strike authorisation vote. Fox9 reported that union leaders are closely monitoring the progress of current talks and hope to avert a work stoppage.Implications for US education nationwideThe potential strike highlights broader challenges in US public education, including funding shortfalls, teacher retention, and class size management. Fox9 quoted education analyst Dr. Paul Hill, who said, “Minneapolis is a microcosm of what many US districts face: balancing teacher demands with tight budgets.” If unresolved, such disputes could set precedents for other districts across the US, potentially affecting educational continuity for hundreds of thousands of students nationwide.