MINNEAPOLIS — University of Minnesota service workers ended their strike late Friday, Sept. 12.
Some 1,400 workers, including heavy equipment operators, delivery drivers and electricians, picketed for five days at campuses across the state, including the North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids.
”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 school said in a joint statement shared early Saturday.
The Teamsters thanked the solidarity of the Farm Aid performers and event coordinators.
Willie Nelson, Margo Price, Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff, Trampled by Turtles, Waxahatchee and more are set to perform at the 40th annual fundraiser Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Organizers were considering moving or canceling the event after those involved refused to cross the picket line.
"For four decades, Farm Aid has stood with farmers and workers," the nonprofit said on social media early Saturday. "Today's agreement is a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together in the spirit of fairness and solidarity."
The tentative agreement includes a 10% wage increase over the three-year contract with additional market adjustments for some positions.
Union members still need to ratify the agreement, and the Board of Regents will vote on it at a to-be-set meeting in October.
