Organizers of next weekend’s Farm Aid concert say they’ll consider canceling or switching venues if the University of Minnesota doesn’t reach a deal with striking workers.
“Our artists, production team and partners have made clear that they will not cross a picket line,” Farm Aid organizers wrote in a statement.
The concert is scheduled for Sept. 20 at the U of M’s Huntington Bank Stadium, with sets from Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and several other stars.
This week, 1,400 custodians, food service workers and maintenance workers went on strike at several U of M campuses across the state, including the Twin Cities campus. Union members with Teamsters Local 320 rejected a contract offer from the university, seeking higher pay raises.
Farm Aid organizers said they’re supporting the Teamsters.
“The farm and labor movements are inseparable, and we believe strongly that the University must return to the bargaining table in good faith,” organizers said.
But organizers said moving or canceling the concert now would be a big financial blow to the Farm Aid organization. It’s been in the works for months; tickets went on sale in May.
“We urge the University of Minnesota to settle this contract quickly so that Farm Aid 40 can proceed as intended — to celebrate four decades of farmers, music and solidarity,” organizers said.
Farm Aid staff are scheduled to start building the set on campus Friday, which organizers said could be interrupted if the strike continues.
University of Minnesota Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations Gregg Goldman told MPR’s Morning Edition that he hopes the union will consider a “cooling off period” and end the strike.
“We want the show to go on,” Goldman said. “It's hugely important, and that's why we ask the Teamsters to come back to the table to continue the thoughtful, responsible negotiations that we've had.”
Goldman said there would not be a financial impact to the U if Farm Aid were to cancel.
A U of M spokesperson said Thursday that no talks with the union were scheduled.
Union leaders say they’ll continue the strike until the university meets their demands.
Workers and supporters plan to continue pickets Friday, after several were arrested earlier this week for attempting to block trucks from making deliveries on campus. University police have been monitoring picket lines.
This year’s Farm Aid is the 40th anniversary of the benefit concert supporting farmers, and the first time the show has come to Minnesota.
