Strike at U of M continues as Farm Aid approaches (artists and production crews won't cross the picket line)

[Omaha Steve]

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/strike-at-u-of-m-continues-as-farm-aid-approaches/89-c7e9886e-a027-4def-a7fe-96c0842dd8cd

Hundreds rallied at the U of M in support of campus teamsters as Farm Aid's co-director says next week's festival is in jeopardy.

Author: KARE 11 Staff
Published: 10:20 PM CDT September 12, 2025
Updated: 10:20 PM CDT September 12, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS — Fellow University of Minnesota union workers gathered outside the Northrop Auditorium Friday night in support of the Teamsters. It's day four of the Local 320 strike, with service workers off the job demanding a 3.5% annual raise.

Meanwhile, time is running out with just eight days left before Farm Aid comes to Huntington Bank Stadium on campus. Farm Aid organizers say their artists and production crews won't cross the picket line given their petitions align with Farm Aid's mission.

"Farmers are some of the hardest workers there are," said Shorlette Ammons, co-executive director of Farm Aid. "They deserve a fair price, it's in line with what some of these strikers are asking for, so that alignment between labor, working people want the same things."

Farm Aid tells us the festival is their fundraiser for their work the rest of the year, so they're determined to stay the course and make it happen.

KARE 11 reached back out to the University, who say they remain at the negotiating table, but won't be making any additional statements at this time.