University graduate student workers begin union vote
Graduate student workers employed at the University of Minnesota begin voting Monday whether to be represented by a union.
Organizing
AFL-CIO defends equal access to contraception
In the wake of a Republican-induced controversy over contraceptive rights and health care, the AFL-CIO has stepped forward to defend women’s equal access to contraception “regardless of where they work.”
Video captures massive protest at state Capitol
A video produced for the Minnesota AFL-CIO documents the huge turnout at the state Capitol March 12 and features the voices of several workers speaking out against so-called "Right to Work" legislation.
Policy
AFL-CIO endorses Obama for re-election
The AFL-CIO’s General Board voted unanimously Tuesday to formally endorse Democratic incumbents Barack Obama and Joseph Biden for re-election as president and vice president of the United States.
On razor-thin vote, Senate committee passes Right to Work bill
More than 1,600 workers descended on the State Capitol Monday, filling the hallways and calling on lawmakers to vote “No” on the proposed Right to Work constitutional amendment.
Policy
Legislation would undermine Minnesota’s quality of life, workers say
Josh Tjaden battles fires, Linda Day cares for hospital patients and Brady Nelson makes paper. They say their ability to do their jobs – and Minnesota’s quality of life – will be in jeopardy if the Legislature approves “Right to Work” legislation.
Government
Ellison wants companies to comply with reporting law on CEO pay
Members of the House and Senate, including Congressman Keith Ellison, DFL-Minnesota, have called on the Securities Exchange Commission to finally begin drafting rules requiring companies to report CEO to median worker pay ratios.
State employee union leaders urge members to reject contract offer
Leaders of AFSCME Council 5 and MAPE are urging members to reject a contract offer from Governor Mark Dayton’s administration. Voting “no” means contract negotiations will be submitted to binding arbitration for resolution.
Course on March 24 on building union power
The University of Minnesota Labor Education Service will offer a labor studies skills course on "Building Union Power One Person at a Time."
Policy
Federal highway funding bill hits rocky road
With Congress facing a March 31 deadline to act, legislation to renew federal highway and mass transit funding – now just for the next two years – is hitting a rocky road on Capitol Hill.