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Minneapolis (AP) ― No major disruptions were reported Wednesday as clerical, technical and health workers walked off their jobs at the University of Minnesota's five campuses after last-ditch contract talks broke down late the night before.

Though the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees represents about 3,150 workers involved in the dispute -- about 17 percent of the university's workforce -- the second day of fall classes went ahead as scheduled.

According university spokesman Daniel Wolter, about two-thirds of the AFSCME workers showed up for work Wednesday at the campuses in the Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston, Morris and Rochester. The biggest change involved the bursar's office in the Twin Cities consolidating its operations on the East Bank campus and using drop boxes at its West Bank and St. Paul locations.

"There have been no major disruptions," he said.

However, AFSCME Local 3800 president Phyllis Walker warned the strike will slow things down initially and eventually could bring some departments "to a standstill."

About 600 striking workers showed up for a noon rally outside Morrill Hall on the Twin Cities campus.

"I like my job and I like the university atmosphere," said striker Sarah Wolf. "But just because I like my job doesn't mean I should be compensated less than any other state worker."

An unexpected visitor attended the Twin Cities rally: Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of presidential candidate John Edwards. She told the strikers they deserve the cost-of-living increase they are seeking.

"You absolutely need to have that cost-of-living increase," she said. "It's a statement by the university that they believe in your dignity. If they respect you and believe in your dignity, they're going to provide you with this raise."

The strike also brought out Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Michael Ciresi, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, and Al Franken, who invoked his Saturday Night Live character, Stuart Smalley, in support of the workers.

"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it I need a living wage," he said.

Meanwhile in Duluth, a rally was held at the College Street entrance to the campus, where about 100 workers picketed.

"We strongly support you ... we miss you already, but we know you're doing what you have to do," said Melanie Shepard, president of the University Education Association, which represents the faculty. "Don't let them think we can do the job without you because we can't. The university has really lost track of basic Minnesota values."

On the Morris campus, about 30 of the 74 union members who work on campus took to the picket line, though others came to work or stayed home.

The employees involved in the strike fix computers, distribute paychecks, work as assistants for dentists and veterinarians, and perform many other jobs. School officials said they had contingency plans to keep the campuses running, with students or temporary workers filling in where necessary.

The university concedes that the strike could limit the number of non-emergency services provided on the Twin Cities campus by Boynton Health Service, the Community-University Health Care Center, the university's dental clinic and its veterinary clinic.

No appointments had to be canceled or rescheduled at the health or dental clinics Wednesday, Wolter said. He said service at the veterinary clinic was reduced to emergency and critical care in anticipation of the strike.

The two sides are disputing the amount of wage increases included in the administration's latest contract proposal involves.

According to AFSCME, the proposal offers raises of 2.25 percent per year for clerical and technical workers and 2.5 percent for health care workers, raises the union says wouldn't cover inflation.

The university says the increases are actually higher because they include step increases for years of service. Looking at the wages that way, administrators argue, the offer would provide 94 percent of AFSCME employees with at least a 4.5 percent pay increase each year.

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Here's a look at the issues:

Q. Who was prepared to go on strike?

A. About 3,150 clerical, technical and health workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. These employees fix computers, distribute paychecks, work as assistants for dentists and veterinarians and perform many other jobs.

Q. Why were the employees ready to walk out?

A. The union claims the wage increases proposed in the contract weren't high enough and amount to just 2.25 percent per year for clerical and technical workers and 2.5 percent for health care workers. That wouldn't cover inflation or cost-of-living increases, they argued.

Q. What was the university's position?

A. The university said the increases were higher than the workers were letting on because they include step increases, or increases for years of service. Looking at the wages that way, administrators argue the offer would provide 94 percent of AFSCME employees with at least a 4.5 percent pay increase in each year of the contract.

Q. When would the strike begin?

A. Short of a last-minute agreement, the strike will begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday -- the second day of fall classes -- with workers taking to picket lines on each campus.

Q. Will any of the campuses shut down?

A. No. The university says it has a contingency plan to keep the campuses running. The school expects some union employees to show up for work and will otherwise rely on student workers or, possibly, temporary workers to fill the gaps. Other measures are also possible, such as asking veterinarians to refer cases to clinics outside the university system.

Q. Has this happened before?

A. Yes. About four years ago, 1,800 clerical workers represented by AFSCME walked off the job for 15 days before reaching a deal on a contract.

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