University of Minnesota clerical workers will strike starting at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, after negotiations Sunday and Monday failed to produce a settlement, their union announced Monday night.

"The University administration wouldn't even negotiate," AFSCME Local 3800 said in a statement posted on its website. "They continued their 'just say no' approach to bargaining.

"Clerical workers voted to reject the U's offer. The U administrators didn't change that offer. So clerical workers will strike tomorrow morning for a livable wage, affordable health care, and job security until the U administration comes to their senses and negotiates a fair contract."

Key issues in the talks included health care, wages, step increases and job security.

Local 3800 posted picketing locations and a full statement about the decision to strike on its website, www.afscme3800.org

At noon Monday, other university staff and students joined clericals at a support rally in front of Morrill Hall, the administration building on the East Bank campus. Local 3800 President Phyllis Walker said clerical workers question the university's explanation that declining revenues are forcing it to demand concessions from employees.

"Is it really about money, or is it about a right-wing, anti-union agenda?" Walker asked.

Participants in the rally passed the hat to raise money for the clericals. A website also has been set up where people can show support, including making financial contributions to help the strikers. It is www.uworkers.org

University administrators reminded other university employees that they are not allowed to honor the clerical workers' strike and must report to work. Some professors said they are planning teach-ins regarding the strike and students participating in Monday's rally said they would boycott classes during a strike.

Some of the crowd that participated in a support rally Monday at the university.

A group of students led a march up the steps to the plaza outside Morrill Hall.