Workday Magazine (https://workdayminnesota.flywheelsites.com/author/tsuperadmin/page/282/)
By taking a slash-and-burn approach, Governor Tim Pawlenty\’s proposed state budget will put more Minnesotans in the unemployment line and swell the ranks of the uninsured and homeless, union leaders and other advocates said.
The Minnesota AFL-CIO, representing 400,000 working people across the state, announced its goals for the 2009 session of the Minnesota Legislature. They include investing in good jobs, schools and infrastructure.
Gathering ideas from unions, analyses and experts, the AFL-CIO sent a 16-page "to do list" memo to the new Obama administration. The list submitted before the Democrat\’s inauguration, outlined a wide range of legislative and administrative moves the federation contended would help workers.
To the delight of unions, among others, President Barack Obama used his first moments in the nation\’s highest office to make sure predecessor George W. Bush\’s "midnight rules" turned into pumpkins.
One-hundred-and-one teachers have accepted their nominations and completed the required candidate materials to become eligible for the honor of 2009 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
Kim Bobo, national director of Interfaith Worker Justice, will speak Wednesday, Jan. 21, on "Wage Theft in Minnesota Wage Theft in America."
All over this country, activists, union leaders and members are full of hope that the Obama administration will not only fix the broken economy and health care systems, but will also pass much-needed reforms to rebuild the American dream for the working class.
Sunday\’s star-studded inaugural concert on the National Mall captured the enthusiasm and optimism of the incoming Obama presidency, but for me, one moment truly embodied the spirit of America.
Union leaders generally backed the $825 billion economic stimulus bill that House Democrats unveiled Jan. 15. Indeed, the sole complaint — if you could call it that — was from those who believed it was too small, especially on infrastructure projects.
Some 265 unionists, wearing shirts and blazers and carrying signs proudly proclaiming their affiliation are scheduled to march and man a union-made union-driven float in Democratic President Barack Obama\’s inaugural parade on Tuesday.
