Organizing drive pays off for big-box janitors with landmark first contract

What’s the value of a union contract? For nearly 500 retail janitors in the Twin Cities, who made history last year by forming the industry’s first metro-wide union, it’s a cool $4.5 million in wage increases and paid time off over the course of their new, three-year contract. Local 26 of the Service Employees International […]

Remembering David Roe, who expanded labor’s political clout in Minnesota

David Roe, whose 19-year tenure as president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO saw historic expansions of workers’ rights and protections in the state, died Feb. 13. He was 92. Labor leaders and lawmakers remembered Roe as a major player in Minnesota politics and devoted family man, whose concern for the welfare of working people was genuine […]

In victory for worker-led opposition, Puzder backs out of Labor post

Robotics enthusiast and fast food CEO Andrew Puzder withdrew from consideration as labor secretary today, less than 24 hours before a Senate committee was scheduled to hold his confirmation hearing. I am withdrawing my nomination for Secretary of Labor. I'm honored to have been considered and am grateful to all who have supported me. — […]

Nurses, allies back MinnesotaCare expansion as fix for state’s individual market woes

Union nurses rallied at the Capitol today with family farmers, small business owners, clergy and other allies in their push to expand health care coverage to all Minnesotans – and hold insurance companies accountable. Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association spent the day talking to state representatives about making health care more accessible and affordable, […]

‘End run’ around local sick-pay victories advances at Capitol

Corporate special interests clashed with working people during a Capitol hearing last night on legislation that would roll back ordinances extending earned sick and safe time to an estimated 150,000 workers in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The local preemption bill, authored by Rep. Pat Garafalo (R-Farmington), passed its first committee hearing after a lengthy round […]