More than 1,500 workers at the University of Minnesota have taken an initial step toward a strike, Teamsters Local 320 said Thursday.

Eighty-five percent of voting members authorized a strike, said Brian Aldes, secretary-treasurer and principal officer.

The workers include building mechanics, custodians, food-service workers and more.

They want a fair wage increase and the right to keep their specific workplace assignments when returning from extended sick or family leave, Aldes said. The university has offered 1.25 percent pay increases, he said.

Negotiators for the U and Local 320 have been in mediation for about seven months, Aldes said. The next session is set for Nov. 27.