University of Minnesota and Teamsters reach tentative deal, Farm Aid concert is on

After a week on strike, members of the Teamsters Local 320 union have reached a tentative agreement with the University of Minnesota.

“In the spirit of cooperation, Teamsters Local 320 and the University of Minnesota have put their differences aside and come to a resolution in order to support the greater good of our University students, faculty and staff, farmers and Minnesota residents,” the two entities said in a joint statement released Saturday. “The Farm Labor Movement originated in Minnesota and the Dakotas with a proud history that is recognized to this very day. The University of Minnesota began as an agricultural school and remains a vital part of Minnesota agriculture. Both parties look forward to returning to working to support our vital teaching, research, and outreach mission.”

The Teamsters announced on Facebook late Friday that their negotiating team has a tentative agreement for members to vote on, ending the strike and allowing next weekend’s Farm Aid concert to continue as planned at the U’s Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

“The strike is over!” the post said.

Members of Teamsters Local 320, which represents 1,400 custodial, food service, maintenance and sanitation workers on U campuses around the state, went on strike Monday night at the Crookston and Morris campuses and expanded to Duluth and satellite campuses Tuesday morning. Workers at the Twin Cities campus joined the strike Tuesday night.

The union’s current contract expired June 30, and negotiations had been ongoing since late March. Union members filed an intent to strike Aug. 7, with initial plans for the strike to begin Aug. 20, just as students were returning to the Duluth campus.

The university put forth a new contract — at the time calling it its last, best and final offer — on Aug. 19, and the strike was put on hold so workers could consider the contract. With an 82% majority, union members voted to reject the offer, citing frustrations over annual wage increases and changes to the contract’s expiration date.

Farm Aid

The Farm Aid organization said on X that their Sept. 20 concert will go on as planned. The concert had been jeopardized by the strike and organizers considered finding a new venue at the last minute.

Farm Aid staff were set to begin building the stage Friday for the concert featuring Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and a dozen other musical acts, but organizers released a statement Thursday that said: “Our artists, production team and partners have made clear that they will not cross a picket line.”

Just after midnight on Saturday, the organization said on X: “Farm Aid is grateful that the University of Minnesota and Teamsters Local 320 have reached an agreement. We are thrilled to confirm that Farm Aid 40 will go forward in Minneapolis as planned.

“For four decades, Farm Aid has stood with farmers and workers. Today’s agreement is a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together in the spirit of fairness and solidarity.”