Efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19 are creating immediate economic hardship for many working families, but help is available during the crisis.
Labor trafficker’s victims speak out, pointing to need for reform
January 17, 2020 by
Notorious wage broker Ricardo Batres, who pleaded guilty to felony charges of labor trafficking and insurance fraud in November, received a nine-month sentence in Hennepin County district court Wednesday. The sentencing brought to a close the first labor trafficking case to emerge from Minnesota’s construction industry. But worker advocates, armed with the findings of an […]
Trafficker’s plea deal reveals construction industry ‘in distress,’ advocates say
November 20, 2019 by
When a notorious wage broker pleaded guilty to two felony charges in Hennepin County this week, it was welcome news for unions and community groups working to rid Minnesota’s construction industry of labor abuses. “We are grateful that the legal system is holding those who commit wage theft and illegal trafficking of construction workers seriously,” […]
Bill to stop wage theft advances in Minnesota House
February 6, 2019 by
New penalties for employers who retaliate against employees, commit wage theft or deny workers access to their payroll information are among the bill’s provisions.
Wage hike shows what’s possible when workers join together, think big
December 19, 2018 by
Six years ago, it was dismissed as too radical. Today, $15 for all workers is written into St. Paul’s legislative code.
Twin Cities workers launch campaign to stop construction industry abuses
December 18, 2018 by
Workers organizing with CTUL kicked off the campaign with a march down Lake Street in Minneapolis.
St. Paul workers, families keep pressure on as council takes up $15
October 19, 2018 by
The ordinance would raise wages for an estimated 56,000 people – nearly a third of the city’s workforce.
Kip Hedges: Labor has a big stake in St. Paul’s fight for $15
August 1, 2018 by
The labor movement was at its strongest when we took on fights that benefited the entire working class.
Four takeaways from the new report on raising St. Paul’s minimum wage
February 22, 2018 by
Poverty wages are a big problem in St. Paul, but interest groups are already trying to poke holes in a potential minimum wage ordinance.
Dave Zirin: The ‘megaphone of sports’ is more global, powerful than ever
January 31, 2018 by
“We’re taught sports is this level playing field, this epitome of America, where anybody who’s good can make it. Yet the reality is it’s a very unlevel playing field.”
Union Advocate 