Minnesota unions praise historic legislative session

A bill to address hospital staffing shortfalls, however, fell short of the union nurses’ expectations.

Ban on captive audience meetings advances in Minnesota Legislature

The employer tactic has come under scrutiny in recent years, as union membership has remained flat despite polling that shows interest in forming unions at a near-record high.

Union-backed coalition rallies to get paid leave across finish line

Union members, retirees, small business owners and faith-based organizations rallied with Gov. Tim Walz and other lawmakers at the Capitol March 21 in a bid to get paid family and medical leave legislation across the finish line this session. “Paid family and medical leave is one of the best policies we can pursue to support […]

Workers warn ‘bigger does not mean better’ when it comes to hospital mergers

Union members have emerged as a leading voice of opposition to the proposed merger between M Health Fairview and Sanford Health.

Minnesota United video board techs win union election

After an organizing drive that drew support from Loons players and fans, elected officials and the labor community, Minnesota United FC’s video board technicians have won their union, voting to join Local 745 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). The National Labor Relations Board counted votes today after a three-week, mail-in election. […]

State AFL-CIO convention spotlights worker power, political goals

Labor leaders and activists from across the state gathered in St. Paul this week for the Minnesota AFL-CIO‘s 56th constitutional convention, looking to tap into the energy of a recent wave of union-organizing victories as they make a united political push this fall. Several of the federation’s endorsed candidates, including Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. […]

Nurses’ picket lines swell with community, labor support

The Minnesota Nurses Association’s trademark red radiated from picket lines outside Twin Cities hospitals during the union’s three-day strike Sept. 12-14, but nurses were far from alone. Elected officials, union leaders and supporters from the community bolstered nurses’ ranks, honking horns, joining picket lines and dropping off coffee and treats for the health care heroes […]

‘Sky’s the limit’ as women workers revive Minnesota’s CLUW chapter

A first meeting earlier this summer drew 44 activists, who got to work drafting bylaws and applying for recognition of the re-emergent Coalition of Labor Union Women chapter.

Unions decry Supreme Court ruling, urge action to protect abortion access

Minnesota’s highest-ranking union officer added to the chorus of labor voices decrying the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, eliminating the federal right to abortion. “Reproductive rights are workers’ rights,” Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham said in a public statement, calling the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade after nearly […]

Frontline workers’ focus turns to Senate after House passes bonus pay

Worker advocacy groups pledged not to be divided as they push for legislation that recognizes the sacrifices of all who showed up to work.