Duluth city workers avert strike
City of Duluth workers in Local 66 vote Wednesday on a tentative agreement reached after a 19-hour bargaining session with mediators. The negotiating committee is unanimously recommending ratification.
Policy
Don’t miss out on tax credits, free tax preparation
Tax season is here and low- and moderate-income families could save on taxes or even get a tax refund through tax credits when filing federal and state tax returns.
Policy
Governor Pawlenty uses line-item veto to slash construction bill
Governor Pawlenty made substantial across the board cuts to many programs in the bonding bill, including reducing the $1 billion request for construction projects by $319 million.
Policy
Trades rally for jobs, jobs, jobs!
Hundreds of Building Trades members — many of them unemployed — packed the State Capitol rotunda Wednesday to call on the Governor and legislature to pass a $1 billion bonding bill and other job-creating legislation. The rally was loud and the voices echoing in the halls of the capitol rang out strong with urgency and emotion.
Government
Mn AFL-CIO calls on Governor to sign jobs and infrastructure bill
As the Minnesota Legislature prepares to pass a much needed jobs and infrastructure bill, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson called on Governor Tim Pawlenty to sign the bill in its entirety.
Janitors ratify new contract
Twin Cities janitors voted unanimously March 6 to approve a new three-year contract with area cleaning contractors, winning important gains in pay and health benefits and beginning a transition to full-time green jobs.
Government
Unions renew call for a balanced approach to state budget
Minnesota’s current budget deficit fell slightly in new figures released Tuesday, but the long-term outlook is grim and lawmakers should keep the focus on job creation, unions said.
At national meeting, labor leaders criticize Obama administration
The labor movement is pissed off, in so many words, at the Obama administration – and some leaders say, they’re only reflecting views of their members.
Twin Cities janitors declare victory in campaign for ‘good jobs, green future’
Several major cleaning companies and the union representing more than 4,000 Twin Cities janitors reached a contract settlement Sunday – narrowly avoiding a strike. The tentative agreement supports the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and transitions to day shift cleaning, the union said.
Failure to save GAMC will hurt thousands of Minnesotans, advocates say
Motivated by faith and concern for thousands of other Minnesotans, Lynn Cox and Lynne Kubista stood silent vigil outside the Minnesota House chambers Monday to urge members to save health care for the state’s poorest residents. Their prayers were not answered.