Unemployment rises to 10.2% in October
The nation’s unemployment rate rose into double digits in October, increasing 0.4% that month, to 10.2%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
Policy
Panel tackles unsolved murder of U.S. union organizer in Mexico
Amid indications the Mexican government “would like to sweep the whole thing under the rug,” a special Inter-American panel Nov. 4 tackled the unsolved 2007 murder of U.S. union organizer Santiago Rafael Cruz in Monterrey, Mexico.
Twenty-four hours: 24 health care horror stories
As the U.S. House prepares to debate health reform legislation, members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation are hearing stories from their constituents who have been financially and emotionally devastated by the lack of affordable health care.
Nurses demand Minnesota follow federal guidelines to prevent workers’ exposure to H1N1 virus
By refusing to require the use of proper equipment, Minnesota\’s Department of Health may be putting nurses\’ health at risk amidst a pandemic influenza outbreak, the Minnesota Nurses Association said Wednesday.
School nurses celebrate 100 years of addressing health needs of Minnesota children
The H1N1 strain may be a “novel” virus, but it is nothing new to school nurses in Minnesota, who are celebrating 100 years of professional service in the state. Ceremonies scheduled for Friday will honor the 10 decades of valuable contributions made by school nurses to the health of children and communities.
Organizing
Mediation Board proposes changes to elections for airline, rail workers
By a 2-to-1 margin, the National Mediation Board says it’s time to bring democracy and majority rule to rail and airline workers voting whether to join a union.
Organizing
In anticipation of change, flight attendants delay union vote
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Tuesday withdrew the single transportation certification application it filed with the National Mediation Board in July on behalf of flight attendants at Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Community
Silent auction will benefit emergency food program
As the recession continues, Working Partnerships has been assisting out-of-work union members by providing $25 grocery store gift cards totalling more than $500 per week.
Organizing
Machinists Union withdraws petition for Delta Airlines fleet service workers
Accusing Delta Airlines management of unfair interference, the Machinists Union has withdrawn a petition that could have led to a union representation election for fleet service workers. However, the union said other organizing continues and it hopes to re-file the application in the future.
Policy
New ballot in Minneapolis gives voters more options
Minneapolis voters will find a new type of ballot at the polls on Tuesday. The ballots allow voters to vote for their first choice, second choice and third choice for city offices.