Nancy Goldman: Increase the minimum wage without penalizing servers

Minnesota is one of only seven states that does not have “tip credit” or Tip Penalty laws. Minnesota minimum wage was last increased in 2007. As the current legislators look to increase our state minimum wage, which is among the lowest in the country, Hospitality Minnesota, the restaurant employers association, is once again trying to […]

Community forum on ‘honest tax reform’ April 4 in Woodbury

A forum and panel discussion in Woodbury April 4 will demonstrate “the need for the Minnesota Legislature to make reforms that stop the cycle of recurring deficits, and instead establish a structurally sound budget now and in the future.” Sponsored by River Valley Action, the forum will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Woodbury-Peaceful […]

Apply now for Nellie Stone Johnson scholarships

Applications for the annual Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship, available to minority students from union families, will be accepted through May 1. The scholarships range from $500 to $2,000. To be eligible, students must attend or plan on attending one of the 31 technical colleges, community colleges or state universities in the Minnesota State Colleges and […]

State Retiree Council to hold annual fundraiser April 20

The Minnesota State Retiree Council, AFL-CIO, will hold its 10th annual fundraiser Saturday, April 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Hall, 1681 Cope Avenue in Maplewood. Admission is free, and there will be free food, free parking and music. This is not a “retirees-only” occasion. Rather, it is […]

As lockout drags on, community group ponders forming new orchestra

A community group working to end the five-month lockout of St. Paul Chamber Orchestra musicians is exploring the possibility of forming a new group to replace the SPCO – and prevent any further losses of SPCO musicians to other orchestras around the country. Save Our SPCO, a grassroots group of patrons and audience members, announced […]

Gov. Dayton rallies support for preserving Saturday mail delivery

The fight is on to save Saturday mail delivery. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton joined more than 100 demonstrators outside the main post office in Minneapolis yesterday, leading the call for federal lawmakers to strengthen – not dismantle – the U.S. Postal Service. “I’ve never heard of anyone whose business is in trouble deciding the way […]

Working Families Day at the Capitol is April 8

State lawmakers will hear from union members Monday, April 8, at the Capitol during the Minnesota AFL-CIO’s annual Working Families Day at the Capitol. We need union members to step up and make their voices heard on issues like fair taxes, job creation, raising the minimum wage and protecting locked-out workers. To get involved, call […]

Home care workers rally as lawmakers consider their union rights

Working to change a state law denying them the right to form a union, home health care workers “made it rain” at the Capitol yesterday, streaming more than 1,000 purple cutouts – each representing a home-care worker who has signed up for the union – from the second level onto the rotunda floor. It was […]

Rally to save Saturday delivery this Sunday in Minneapolis

Supporters of protecting Saturday mail delivery will rally Sunday in Minneapolis, and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is among the speakers scheduled to participate in the event. The rally will take place outside the main Minneapolis Post Office, located at the intersection of 1st Street South and Marquette Avenue. It will begin at 1 p.m., and […]

Expand transit to keep state’s economy competitive, coalition says

Transit advocates gathered at the Capitol today to show broad-based support for expanding investments in the state’s transportation system, from commuter rail and bus lines to bike paths and sidewalks. Such investments deliver a “trifecta” of benefits for state taxpayers, spurring business and job growth, reducing pollution and providing low- and moderate-income workers with greater […]