Hennepin County locals begin planning for negotiations
The six AFSCME locals representing about 4,000 Hennepin County employees have begun planning for the next round of contract negotiations.
Policy
Stimulus creates opportunities for unions in the new clean-energy economy
President Barack Obama last month signed into law a $787 billion economic stimulus package that invests heavily in sweeping clean-energy and energy-efficiency programs. Proponents of the stimulus, including labor unions, say the investments will create the middle class jobs – the so-called “green jobs” – necessary to rally a slumping economy.
Minnesota House committee approves paid sick days legislation
A Minnesota House committee has approved legislation that would provide all Minnesota workers with paid sick days.
Policy
Minnesota organizations line up to support Obama budget
Progressive organizations, elected officials, labor leaders and advocates in Minnesota have joined the national campaign to pass President Obama’s budget and rebuild America through major investments in health care reform, education, clean energy and other important priorities.
Airline Machinists plan ‘Day of Action’ March 29
Machinists Local 1833, representing ground workers at the former Northwest Airlines, invites all union members to a “Day of Solidarity and Action.”
Policy
St. Paul labor federation backs ‘People’s Bailout’
The St. Paul Regional Labor Federation added its voice to the chorus of labor and community organizations calling on lawmakers to pass the so-called Minnesota People’s Bailout, a bill making its way through the Legislature that would strengthen – not cut – public services during these tough economic times.
Organizing
Workers tell lawmakers of benefits as Employee Free Choice Act is introduced
The Employee Free Choice Act, introduced in Congress Tuesday, would give workers the opportunity to bargain for a better life – a much-needed reform in this time of economic distress, workers, economists and scholars said.
U workers to rally against cuts to scholarship program
University of Minnesota workers, students and supporters will rally Thursday to protest a proposal that will require employees who wish to take a class at the university through the Regents Scholarship to pay 25 percent of the tuition.
Government
AFSCME members call for ‘a strong economy for the common good’
Members of Minnesota’s largest public employee union – Council 5 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – will meet with legislators Wednesday to help shape the state budget for the next two years.
CWA members mobilize for AT&T contract campaigns
Members of Communications Workers of America Locals 7200 and 7250 are mobilizing as part of a nationwide campaign to win new contracts with AT&T.