🎵 Sony shuts down punk union

How Sony Shut Down a Punk Minneapolis Union

What’s more punk than unionizing? That’s probably what workers at Kings Road Merch thought when they organized their Northeast Minneapolis warehouse, which produces t-shirts and the like for punk bands (notably, The Dropkick Murphys). Independent journalist Evan Minsker reports that contract bargaining was closed before it began, when staff found out parent company Sony Music Entertainment would be shuttering the place in September. “It’s union-busting,” KRM organizer Tim Lunning told City Cast Twin Cities. “ There is some expectation that there will be a continuation of Kings Road … but the entire warehouse crew, all of us that voted to unionize, are being axed.” [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities / see/saw]

• The fight to keep KRM: Kings Road Merch was acquired by Sony Music’s distribution subsidiary The Orchard. Workers’ main concern under new ownership was pay; Lunning said ownership initially only offered pay raises to the office workers. He also said the company began relying on temp workers, who were not part of the union. “ It feels like [Sony Music] sprung this and didn't have a plan, and they're scrambling now,” Lunning said. “They can rectify the situation and they can continue to operate this warehouse in Minneapolis.” City Cast has reached out to Sony Music for comment. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]
• ‘Worker’s Song’: Lunning said he’s spoken with Ken Casey of The Dropkick Murphys, who pledged to cut ties with KRM if Sony shuts down the warehouse. In March, the Celtic punk band performed a free concert near Alex Pretti’s memorial during Operation Metro Surge ahead of their appearance at Palace Theatre. [MPR News]

Finance fiasco: Remember when Minneapolis Public Schools was accused of withholding $3 million from an employee healthcare trust? A law firm has identified the district’s head accountant Aaron Gilbert as the culprit; she also, interestingly enough, oversaw the return of the money to the health care trust. It’s not clear why Gilbert withheld the funds in the first place, but the Reformer’s Melissa Whitler reports a lack of oversight in the department allowed it to happen. Gilbert, who no longer works at MPS, is the latest in a string of high-profile departures at the district’s finance office. [Minnesota Reformer]

Tapas tizzy: Spanish restaurant Tasca Madrid is moving into St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood, at the former Handsome Hog location. I expect their main draw will be their 50-plus tapas, which start at $5 for a small plate. If you take a peek into the restaurant’s side door, you’ll find pastries at San Román Bakery available now. [Pioneer Press]

More rent relief: $40 million in housing assistance is soon making its way to Minnesotans, courtesy of a little-discussed provision passed by the Legislature this latest session. The funding comes about five months after the official end of Operation Metro Surge, though Democratic lawmakers are reluctant to say the money is specifically for people impacted by immigration enforcement. They were unable to pass emergency assistance back in February. [Minnesota Reformer]

Cop talks: Last Monday, Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher posted a video of himself perched on a table to warn about an increasing trend in Somali gang violence. The Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota and other groups say Fletcher’s words unfairly target Somali youth at a time when the group is facing hateful rhetoric from right-wing politicians, like the president and Rep. Tom Emmer. Expect more on this when the sheriff’s office hosts a community event July 21. [Star Tribune]

Asphalt air: After North Minneapolis residents complained a shingle factory was stinking up the neighborhood, federal regulators say the manufacturer has multiple violations of the Clean Air Act. The factory, Owens Corning, is accused of emitting sulfur dioxide beyond the legal limit. Reporter Andrew Hazzard writes Owens Corning will likely be put on a compliance plan, and may face fines. [Sahan Journal]

Monday, July 13

• 🍽️ Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Restaurant Week | Twin Cities-wide, through July 19
• 🇫🇷 Bastille My Heart | Crooners Supper Club
• 📚 Shirlene Obuobi: Die For Me | The Parkway Theater
• 🎭 Tape | The Hive Collaborative
• 🏀 Phoenix Mercury at Minnesota Lynx | Target Center
• 🎤 Ella Mai | The Armory
• 🥁 L.A.'s Monday Nights | Icehouse

Tuesday, July 14

• 🍕 Pizza Nights at the Farm | Farm at the Arb, MN Landscape Arboretum
• 🆓 Roots of Resilience: Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities | Crosby Farm Regional Park
• 🆓 Na Eng presents The Art of Saving Democracy | Magers & Quinn Booksellers
• 😂 The Life-Changing Magic of County Government | Bryant Lake Bowl Theater
• 🆓 Bike Mom Friends | Perennial Cycle
• 😈 Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical | Lush Lounge & Theater
• 🎶 Lyle Lovett and His Small Large Band | State Theatre

• Director of Partnerships & Program Revenue at Voyageur Outward Bound School | $100k – $130k per year
• Communications Director at League of Minnesota Cities | $160k – $210k per year
• Development Manager/Director at Minnesota Perinatal Organization | $70k – $90k per year
• Executive Director at Community Mediation & Restorative Services, Inc. | $110k – $140k per year
• Managing Director of Events & Exhibits at UMN Landscape Arboretum | $115k – $124k per year