Labor groups are working on contingency plans as traditional election work, like door knocking, might not be feasible this year.
Campaign schools to kick off labor’s 2016 election push
June 20, 2016 by
The most recent state legislative session was a mess, with lawmakers failing to act to repair Minnesota’s crumbling transportation infrastructure or make jobs-creating investments in transit and public works. Electing legislators who will put the state’s working families first is a top priority for labor this year, and the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation will […]
Bobby Kasper: Moving our hall, bringing along the spirit of 411 Main
June 25, 2015 by
A house is more than its walls and windows, more than the foundation and support beams that hold it together. Memories make a house a home. The friends and family members who gathered there – and the accomplishments that took place under its roof – are as much a part of any house as its […]
Bernard Brommer: In minimum-wage debate, some myths just won’t go away
February 27, 2014 by
Legislation has been introduced that would provide a much needed increase in the minimum wage after many years of no action. The principal parties and the arguments have remained essentially the same since the inception of minimum-wage laws many decades ago. As we have learned over time, there are many myths that surround the debate, […]
Legislature will consider expanding union rights to home health care workers
March 4, 2013 by
DFL lawmakers last month introduced a bill that would grant home health care workers the right to form a union, a move advocates say will help the state address a looming workforce crisis in Minnesota’s public home care programs. Authored by Sen. Chris Eaton and Rep. Michael Nelson, the bill targets workers in so-called “self-directed” home […]
Eliot Seide: Minnesota’s moment to rebuild the middle class
March 4, 2013 by
Minnesota is poised to do great things this year, the first time in 22 years that Democrats control the governor’s office and both chambers of the Legislature. This is Minnesota’s moment to fix the budget, raise fair revenue, and build an economy that grows good jobs and the middle class. Union members campaigned hard to […]
Union members join push for immigration reform with path to citizenship
January 30, 2013 by
U.S. citizenship isn’t something Mitch Azarcon takes for granted – not after watching her Filipino-born mother wait 25 years to move her family to the U.S. Now Azarcon, a surgical core technician at Rochester Methodist Hospital, is exercising her rights as a citizen, taking action through her union, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota, to change federal law […]
With lockouts on the rise, state lawmakers weigh social, economic impacts
January 24, 2013 by
Lockouts have gained popularity among Minnesota employers looking to flex their muscles in contract negotiations with union workers, but state lawmakers yesterday began examining the impact these prolonged work stoppages have had on families, communities and businesses. The House Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee’s hearing on lockouts was likely a first step toward legislative action […]
Steve Hunter: Labor agenda includes investments, tax fairness, new jobs and workplace dignity
January 24, 2013 by
The 2013 legislative session presents Minnesota’s labor movement with opportunities we haven’t seen since 1990, the last time we had a pro-labor governor and labor-friendly majorities in both the House and Senate. After 22 years of playing defense, we finally have an opportunity to accomplish positive change for working people. The Minnesota AFL-CIO, working with […]
Unions seek organizing rights for Minnesota’s home health care workers
December 13, 2012 by
Karen Urman of Mounds View works as a personal care attendant for her adult son, Ziggy Norberg, who has used a wheelchair since he was 3 years old. The work is a full-time job, one Urman gave up her career as a tax preparer and office supervisor to pursue. For Urman it is rewarding work, […]
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