Senate Republicans block $1.9 billion infrastructure jobs proposal

Union tradespeople pleaded with Republicans not to hold up the package of local public-works projects as leverage in a political fight with the DFL majority.

As session begins, Minnesota unions see opportunity for investments in infrastructure, frontline workers

It’s a bonding year, but a record budget surplus and unspent federal pandemic relief funds could allow for more broad spending measures, including long-delayed compensation for frontline workers.

Walz signs historic infrastructure bill from Ironworkers’ training floor

The bill also provides a long-sought emergency rate increase for the state’s home care workers and keeps open two correctional facilities.

As GOP plays politics with infrastructure bill, tradespeople warn their jobs hang in balance

The standoff comes at a delicate time for both the construction industry and the state’s economy.

With pension and bonding bills, Dayton saves best for last

Dayton has “firmly cemented his legacy as a champion for working people,” Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy said.

Construction jobs get bipartisan support at Capitol rally

Gov. Dayton touted his proposed $1.5 billion public works bill. Republicans pledged to shift mining and pipeline projects out of neutral.

Workers to legislators: Finish the job on transportation, bonding

  Construction workers and contractors formed a united front at the Capitol today in support of a special session allowing state legislators to compromise on two shared priorities – transportation and infrastructure – left unaddressed when session adjourned Sunday night. Lawmakers “still have time to finish,” Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council President Harry Melander […]

Unions praise Dayton’s approach to building a ‘state that works for everyone’

In his State of the State Address last night, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton called on legislators to join him in addressing the state’s racial and geographic disparities, and in making needed investments in public education, transportation and infrastructure. Afterward, union leaders from across the state praised Dayton’s speech. Education Minnesota President Denise Specht called Dayton […]

At convention, Trades build momentum for 2014 election push

ROCHESTER – With two new stadiums in the works and $1 billion in new state infrastructure investments – as well as jobs-creating regional improvements like the Destination Medical Center here – the Building Trades unions in Minnesota are riding a wave of momentum. That momentum is at stake in elections up and down the Nov. […]

With support from bonding bill, MN Workers Memorial Garden nears completion

The $1 billion package of public infrastructure investments approved by state lawmakers earlier this year includes $250,000 for a mural and other improvements that will complete the Minnesota Workers Memorial Garden in St. Paul. Construction of the memorial, located near the intersection of 12th and Cedar in the southeast corner of the Capitol grounds, wrapped […]