We have the power to create the fair economy and just society that we deserve.
At organizing boot camp, workers look to build power from the inside out
July 16, 2018 by
It takes a strong union to bargain a strong contract. Or, as CWA Local 7304 member Jim Wiebe put it: “A hammer doesn’t swing by itself.” A union steward and welder at the New Flyer bus facility in St. Cloud, Wiebe was one of 55 activists from across the Midwest who traveled to St. Paul […]
U.S. workplace fatalities on the rise, unions warn
May 1, 2018 by
Minnesota, according to an AFL-CIO report, had the 31st highest rate of workplace deaths among states in 2016.
U.S. negotiators following TPP script in NAFTA 2.0 talks, observers warn
October 26, 2017 by
Two months into NAFTA renegotiation talks, the process is looking awfully familiar to labor and fair-trade observers – and not in a good way. When his trade representatives opened talks with Canada and Mexico in August, President Trump pledged to deliver “a better deal for our workers.” But so far, Minnesota Fair Trade Coalition Director […]
Unions weigh in on Trump’s plans to ‘modernize’ disastrous NAFTA trade deal
July 3, 2017 by
Since being established in 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement – better known as NAFTA – has triggered job losses, depressed wages and shifted more power to corporations. Now, the Trump administration has notified Congress it plans to “modernize” the horrible trade deal, giving working families an historic opportunity to shape a better trade […]
In victory for worker-led opposition, Puzder backs out of Labor post
February 15, 2017 by
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. — […]
Unions, environmental groups brace for lame-duck fight over Trans Pacific pact
October 27, 2016 by
On the night of the third presidential debate, a small group of activists gathered inside a union hall in Minneapolis, but their focus was not on the outcome of the 2016 election. It was on what might happen between Nov. 8 and the inauguration, specifically when it comes to trade. President Obama is expected to […]
Colleagues, labor community mourn Teamster fatally shot during traffic stop
July 7, 2016 by
Philando Castile, the man fatally shot during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights last night, was a cafeteria supervisor at J.J. Hill Montessori Magnet School in St. Paul and a member of Teamsters Local 320. Officers of Castile’s union today expressed grief at the sudden loss of their union brother, “an amazing person who did […]
AFL-CIO picks Minnesota to debut course in strategic research
May 11, 2016 by
In union-organizing and contract campaigns, information is power. And a first-of-its-kind training in Minnesota this week aims to equip more unions with the skills needed to access – and utilize – information that builds power for working people. More than 40 officers, organizers and activists from 27 local unions, labor federations and community allies are […]
Union investment fund backs $42.3 million project in Lowertown
February 18, 2016 by
A union investment fund announced plans today to renovate an aging, eight-story office building in St. Paul’s Lowertown district. The project will create 134 market-rate multifamily housing units and an estimated 190 union construction jobs. The AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT) unveiled the $42.3 million project, dubbed “333 on the Park,” in a press release. […]
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