Farm Aid union deal

Photo Credit: Willie Nelson by Robbi O.

Farm Aid’s 40th edition is a go after a tentative deal was reached between the University of Minnesota and members of Teamsters Local 320.

It’s been a week of uncertainty for Farm Aid, whose organizers cautioned that the ongoing strike involving service workers at the University of Minnesota could put the event in jeopardy. Production crew workers for Farm Aid, which is being held this year at Huntington Bank Stadium, are also members of Teamsters Local 320. The union has been on strike since pay negotiations with the U of M fell flat.

But over the weekend, a post on the Teamsters 320 Facebook page announced the strike’s end, confirming an agreement had been reached. Shortly thereafter, Farm Aid also announced that the show would go on.

“Farm Aid is grateful that the University of Minnesota and Teamsters Local 320 have reached an agreement,” Farm Aid posted on social media. “We are thrilled to confirm that Farm Aid 40 will go forward in Minneapolis as planned.”

“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. Both parties look forward to returning to working to support our vital teaching, research, and outreach mission,” read a joint statement from the union and the University.

“This was a hard-fought strike that we won on the picket lines and with solidarity from Teamster delivery drivers and other unions such as IATSE Local 13,” said Local 320 President Erik Skoog. “We also must recognize the solidarity from the Farm Aid performers and event coordinators who refused to cross a Teamster picket line. We would not have been successful without the support of our 1,400 members. I am so proud of their diligence and resolve in maintaining a concerted strike at multiple locations across the State of Minnesota.”

Festival organizers also confirmed that country legend and Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson spoke with Governor Tim Walz, saying he is “grateful that he understands what is at stake for Farm Aid.” Alongside Neil Young and John Mellencamp, Nelson has held the event in different cities for the last four decades, raising over $85 million.