MINNEAPOLIS — Demonstrators supporting janitors pushing for higher pay in the Twin Cities caused traffic tie-ups in downtown Minneapolis this morning.

The protesters blocked downtown streets during the morning commute. Traffic heading into the downtown area was at a standstill at one point. The State Patrol shut down some major entry points, causing backups which stretched three miles. Some Metro Transit buses were rerouted.

Thousands of janitors staged a one-day strike Wednesday.