The economic debate hasn’t changed much in 25 years

Business owners say Minnesota’s economic climate is poor, urging lower tax rates and steep cuts to government spending. Union leaders say Minnesota owes its high quality of life to public investments in education and infrastructure that are a catalyst for economic growth. That’s the debate likely to take place when state lawmakers return to the […]

‘Nellie’ begins run at History Theatre Jan. 26

History Theatre’s production of “Nellie” tells the story of pioneering Minnesota labor activist and civil rights activist Nellie Stone Johnson (1905-2002). The show will run Jan. 26 through Feb. 17 at History Theatre downtown St. Paul. A Minnesota hero, Johnson’s feisty spirit and drive to succeed made her a political force to be reckoned with […]

Bobby Kasper: A new year, a new labor vision

After an amazing 2012 political election in Minnesota, we as union members must stay politically involved. It must be a year-round campaign. Our focus is to make sure our electoral gains translate into effective pro-labor, pro-jobs agenda. We must push for policy reform that strengthens the union workers. After a 22-year hiatus of having a […]

Operation Christmas Solidarity lifts spirits of locked-out sugar workers

For the second consecutive Christmas, the families of workers locked out of their jobs by American Crystal Sugar received a holiday boost from their extended union family. Operation Christmas Solidarity, co-sponsored by the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation and American Income Life, drew $45,000 in donations from local unions and members, who gave toys, food, […]

Unions see ‘a generational opportunity’ as state lawmakers begin work at Capitol

When the Minnesota Legislature convened at noon Jan. 8, everything changed – and nothing changed. What has changed? For the first time in a generation, the DFL holds majorities in both the Minnesota House and Senate, while also holding the governor’s office. What hasn’t changed? The state still faces structural budget deficits that the last […]