University of Minnesota, Teamsters reach deal to end strike that threatened Farm Aid concert

The University of Minnesota and its service workers have reached a deal, ending the strike that had threatened next weekend’s Farm Aid concert.

The strike involving 1,400 custodial, maintenance, food service and sanitation workers represented by Teamsters Local 320 began Monday. The walkout affected university campuses and satellite locations around the state.

The union announced on its Facebook page that it received an offer from the University of Minnesota that met its demands and it would put it to a vote.

“The strike is over!” the post said.

Teamsters member and cook Sam Thibert said he’s been told that employees are going back to work Sunday.

“I’m relieved it’s done with,” Thibert said.

The three-year deal offers 3.5% wage increases the first two years, and a 3% boost the third year. It also preserves the original date of the contract’s end, which was June 30.

“Today’s agreement is a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together in the spirit of fairness and solidarity. We look forward to celebrating that spirit on September 20 — alongside farmers, workers, advocates, artists and fans — in a day of music and community that honors this shared history,” Farm Aid organizers posted on the social media platform X.

Sources familiar with negotiations said Walz’s office got involved late in the game to help reach a deal after Nelson’s call.

On Friday night, Nelson posted on X that he spoke to Walz and appreciated his involvement: “We both know that ultimately, it’s up to the university to do the right thing, and soon, so that Farm Aid 40 can go forward.”

In response, Walz posted on X around midnight: “We’ll get ‘er done, Willie.”

The university released a joint statement with the union that read, in part: “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 union and the university have accused one another of failing to return to contract talks during a contentious week of picketing.

Their last contract ended June 30. Twin Cities Teamsters employed by the U are predominately women and people of color, union organizers have said. Starting in June 2023, every Teamster position began at $20 per hour.

The union proposed a 9% increase on wages in each of the next two years. The university proposed a 3% wage increase in the first year of the new contract and whatever salary increases are approved by the Board of Regents for the second year. The regents approved a 3% salary increase in 2025.

Since mediation is closed to the public, it is not clear if different proposals have been made on wages from either side.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Teamsters local noted the support of other unions and Farm Aid performers and organizers.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid, which includes farm tours and forums in the days leading up to the Sept. 20 concert at Huntington Bank Stadium on campus. In addition to Nelson, those expected to perform include Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Margo Price.

Fans going to the show will get an additional treat as Grammy-winning singer Sierra Ferrell announced Friday she would bow out of a Bluegrass festival in Tennessee to perform with singer-songwriter Lukas Nelson at Farm Aid. Ferrell played to a sold-out First Avenue in 2024.

Born in the farm crisis of the 1980s, the shows have raised millions of dollars to support struggling farmers, including the 1-800-FARM-AID hotline and emergency grants.