Workers at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) have started an open-ended strike as negotiations over their contract failed. General Teamsters Local 251, representing 62 custodians, groundskeepers and movers, claims that RISD did not provide a wage increase or include bargaining allowances. The strike began less than two weeks after a one-day unfair labor practice protest. Workers claim that they cannot live on their salaries and the union reports that negotiations have stalled. Although RISD denies rejecting the workers’ proposed contract, it claims that union leaders have refused to collaborate since economic issues were discussed. However, the strike is not expected to impact student access to school buildings or education.