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.

Unions’ pre-apprenticeship program puts more Minnesotans on path to construction careers

Thirty-five Minnesotans are a big step closer to family-sustaining careers in the unionized construction industry after graduating from the Building Strong Communities program last week. Elected officials, union leaders, employers and family members gathered for a ceremony May 5 at North Hennepin Community College to recognize graduates of the pre-apprenticeship program for women, veterans and […]

Minnesota Building Trades on path to becoming Yellow Ribbon organization

The state Building Trades council held a signing ceremony Wednesday with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a federal program that promotes cooperation between National Guard members and their civilian employers.

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.

Concrete Christmas display showcases union apprentices’ skills

The annual “Concrete Christmas” display will stay up through Dec. 7 at the Cement Masons and Plasterers Training Center in New Brighton.

Leadership changes, but Trades’ focus remains on building careers, communities

A new president gaveled the 75th convention of the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council to order at Madden’s on Gull Lake today, as delegates unanimously affirmed their Executive Board in electing Laborers Local 563 Business Manager Joe Fowler to lead the statewide organization.   President Emeritus Harry Melander, who retired in June after […]

As special session nears, unions push lawmakers to prioritize working people

Minnesota unions are calling on state lawmakers to include crisis relief, paid leave and protections for working people in their final budget. “Working people need their lawmakers’ help,” they said in a letter to legislative leaders this week.

Making the adjustment: Union apprenticeship programs get creative to navigate COVID-19 safely

The result isn’t always ideal, but what has been in 2020? 

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.

Senate GOP ousts MN labor commissioner, plays politics with worker health, safety

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy called the party-line vote a “slap in the face to working Minnesotans.”