Sony Music plans to shut down a Minneapolis warehouse that handles merchandise for punk bands after its workers voted to unionize earlier this year. The company says the decision was made months before union activity began. Staff and union leaders have accused Sony of union-busting.
Sony Music announced on June 23 that it would close the Kings Road Merch warehouse in Minneapolis. The closure came hours before the first scheduled bargaining session with the newly formed union.
Workers at the warehouse had voted unanimously to unionize on May 11 under Teamsters Local 970. They cited issues with pay and temporary contracts that arose after Sony acquired the company in June 2025 through its subsidiary The Orchard.
Union president Chad Reichow said he viewed Sony's earlier statements about a possible closure as a bluff. Shop steward Cesar Esparza noted that demand for the warehouse's services remained strong.
Sony stated it is committed to negotiating a fair separation agreement with the union and that some staff may continue supporting artists in other roles. Dropkick Murphys voiced support for the workers in an online comment.
