The voice of Saint Paul's working families since 1897
Lockouts have gained popularity among Minnesota employers looking to flex their muscles in contract negotiations with union workers, but state lawmakers yesterday began examining the impact these prolonged work stoppages have had on families, communities and businesses. The House Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee’s hearing on lockouts was likely a first step toward legislative action […]
The 2013 legislative session presents Minnesota’s labor movement with opportunities we haven’t seen since 1990, the last time we had a pro-labor governor and labor-friendly majorities in both the House and Senate. After 22 years of playing defense, we finally have an opportunity to accomplish positive change for working people. The Minnesota AFL-CIO, working with […]
The Jean Jones Coats Initiative, an annual winter-clothing drive sponsored by the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation’s Labor Studies & Resource Center, had a record-breaking year, donating 127 new or gently used coats to homeless students in the St. Paul Public Schools. St. Paul unions and union members contributed $3,683 to the initiative this year, more […]
U.S. Sen. Al Franken has been at the forefront of congressional efforts to push the Obama administration to negotiate strong labor standards into the free-trade deal Obama has declared his top trade priority. Those efforts drew recognition yesterday from the Minnesota Fair Trade Coalition, which presented the senator with its Fair Trade Leadership Award. The […]
Progressive Rail is harassing, intimidating and firing its workers in an attempt to supplant their union, leaders and members of the United Transportation Union said during informational picketing outside the company this morning. Eight workers at the Lakeville-based railway have been fired or harassed into resignation since February 2012, when a union contract covering 12 […]
The AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust announced Dec. 19 it would commit $23.5 million toward constructing the West Side Flats Apartments, a $31 million mixed-use development on the edge of downtown St. Paul. The project is expected to generate 160 union construction jobs at a time when unemployment in the industry remains high. The HIT is […]
Local 110 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is targeting a contractor that union leaders say has undermined area-standard wages and benefits – and may be putting his workers at risk. Jim Crockarell, vice president of Madison Equities, drew a “Shame On” banner from the union last month after contracting with Reliance Electric do […]
International trade policy affects everyone, no matter where you live, where you work or what you buy. Find out exactly how during the Minnesota Fair Trade Coalition’s Jan. 26 workshop “The Everyday Impacts of International Trade.” Designed for leaders of organizations and unions affiliated with the coalition, the workshop will equip participants with “the big […]
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 […]
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 […]
Union Advocate 