Report on AI’s impact a ‘wake-up moment’ for MN lawmakers, unions

The report offers four policy recommendations, and they begin with strengthening workers’ bargaining rights.

Up for a challenge: Competitors test their skills at WBS Trade Games

It wasn’t gold, silver or bronze, but there was plenty of metal in play during the Trade Games Challenge at St. Paul Pipefitters Local 455’s training center Nov. 21. Hosted by Women Building Success (WBS) to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, the friendly, hands-on competition drew nearly 200 participants in its second year. “This event has […]

Union educators tracking effects of federal funding loss

“COVID funds gave SPPS the opportunity to focus on what students actually need to be successful learners,” one SPPS teacher said. “Students, parents and educators all saw our students improve. The loss of these funds will be devastating for our community.”

Flanagan marks first Workplace Rights Week at union laundry in St. Paul

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is putting a spotlight on workers’ rights this week, with hundreds of outreach events across the state to educate workers and employers.

Pipefitters’ service day keeps heat on for homeowners in need

The volunteer effort, started in 1986, has since given back over $4 million in volunteer work hours and repairs to nearly 8,500 Minnesota households, reducing their energy costs and preventing heat failure.

Minnesota apprentice wins Insulators union’s international skills contest

If insulating were an Olympic event, Jordan Haller would be heading to Paris this summer.

New state board sets $20.50 wage floor in nursing home industry

Minnesota’s nursing homes have seen some of the worst staffing shortages in the country in recent years.

Updated prevailing wage standards ‘a tremendous win’ for tradespeople

The Labor Department’s updated federal prevailing wage standards in Minnesota will ensure tradespeople working on the Biden administration’s historic infrastructure investments are paid fairly and consistently, union leaders say.

Union members push bill to give striking workers unemployment benefits

“Going on strike will still be financially challenging, but at least workers won’t be starved back to work,” one union member said.

St. Paul educators give away 40,000 books

The St. Paul Federation of Educators gave away 40,000 books to children, families and teachers Dec. 16 as part of their international union’s “Reading Opens the World” initiative, which aims to give out 10 million free books. “As others ban books, we’re giving them out,” American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said during a […]