Minnesota AFL-CIO
@mnaflcio.org
The state federation of labor representing over 300,000 members of more than 1,000 MN Local Unions.
By popular demand, we're co-sponsoring another nonviolent direct action training on Dec. 7. Whether you have never joined a direct action, or you've planned one, this hands-on training is for you.
Nonviolent Direct Action Training
While ICE continues to target our immigrant neighbors, and cities across the country are being occupied by National Guard troops, Minnesotans must step into our shared values of courage, care, and…
aflcio.mn
November 25, 2025 at 5:07 PM
By popular demand, we're co-sponsoring another nonviolent direct action training on Dec. 7. Whether you have never joined a direct action, or you've planned one, this hands-on training is for you.
Let's stand with St. Paul City workers to protect the Civil Service rules.
STAND WITH WORKERS; PROTECT CIVIL SERVICE RULES
St. Paul City Administration is looking to propose devastating changes to Civil Service Rules that will harm St. Paul workers and the residents they serve with excellence every single day. This will…
aflcio.mn
November 24, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Let's stand with St. Paul City workers to protect the Civil Service rules.
Thanks to the hard work of working families, union members and our allies, our bipartisan bill to reverse President Trump’s union-busting executive order is getting a vote in Congress. Tell your reps to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act! #BetterInAUnion aflcio.mn/4r5Kvr7
November 18, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Thanks to the hard work of working families, union members and our allies, our bipartisan bill to reverse President Trump’s union-busting executive order is getting a vote in Congress. Tell your reps to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act! #BetterInAUnion aflcio.mn/4r5Kvr7
“They contribute only to single coverage for workers,” UNITE HERE Local 17 President Christa Sarrack said. “We're pushing to have a percentage paid towards the dependent coverage and making the dependent coverage actually affordable....” #BetterInAUnion
MSP food workers announce strike deadline before Thanksgiving rush
Hospitality workers at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport have set a Nov. 24 strike deadline that could limit food options during the Thanksgiving travel rush.
aflcio.mn
November 18, 2025 at 5:04 PM
“They contribute only to single coverage for workers,” UNITE HERE Local 17 President Christa Sarrack said. “We're pushing to have a percentage paid towards the dependent coverage and making the dependent coverage actually affordable....” #BetterInAUnion
Multiple seats on the Minnesota AFL-CIO's Committee on Racial and Economic Justice are opening in January. The committee plays a key role in our work to build a more just and inclusive Labor Movement for all workers. #BetterInAUnion
2026 Minnesota AFL-CIO Racial & Economic Justice Committee Nominee Survey
Minnesota AFL-CIO175 Aurora Ave.St. Paul, MN 55103
aflcio.mn
November 17, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Multiple seats on the Minnesota AFL-CIO's Committee on Racial and Economic Justice are opening in January. The committee plays a key role in our work to build a more just and inclusive Labor Movement for all workers. #BetterInAUnion
"87 percent of companies now use AI at some stage of the hiring process. Many start by deploying algorithms that use data from past “successful hires” to target job ads towards people with similar profiles, thereby favoring candidates who mirror the existing workforce..." #BetterInAUnion
Europe Is Regulating AI Hiring. Why Isn’t America?
In 2018, Amazon unveiled a groundbreaking AI hiring tool. But what began as a promise to revolutionize how the company identified talent devolved into an algorithm that “did not like women.” The…
aflcio.mn
November 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM
"87 percent of companies now use AI at some stage of the hiring process. Many start by deploying algorithms that use data from past “successful hires” to target job ads towards people with similar profiles, thereby favoring candidates who mirror the existing workforce..." #BetterInAUnion
"As women and siblings in the trades, as welders, and as fellow workers, we are deeply saddened and angered by the tragic murder of Amber Czech. Amber’s death is a painful reminder of the urgent need to address workplace violence, especially in industries like ours where safety should be paramount."
Statement on the tragic murder of Amber Czech – Women Building Success
Women Building Success
womenbuildingsuccess.org
November 15, 2025 at 4:25 PM
"As women and siblings in the trades, as welders, and as fellow workers, we are deeply saddened and angered by the tragic murder of Amber Czech. Amber’s death is a painful reminder of the urgent need to address workplace violence, especially in industries like ours where safety should be paramount."
"Strong wages and benefits don’t just attract new workers — they retain experienced ones. When people know they can earn a family-supporting wage, access quality healthcare and retire with dignity, they stay. That stability is what keeps projects running efficiently and safely." #BetterInAUnion
There’s no skilled labor shortage in construction. There’s a shortage of good jobs.
The issue is not a lack of willing people, but a lack of steady, quality jobs, writes an Iron Workers union business manager.
aflcio.mn
November 13, 2025 at 10:23 PM
"Strong wages and benefits don’t just attract new workers — they retain experienced ones. When people know they can earn a family-supporting wage, access quality healthcare and retire with dignity, they stay. That stability is what keeps projects running efficiently and safely." #BetterInAUnion
Serious issue for union members to track. A growing number of workers who produce THC beverages in Minnesota are members of @uniteherelocal17.bsky.social.
Federal shutdown deal could kill Minnesota’s hemp-derived THC market
A spending bill passed by the U.S. Senate would essentially ban hemp-based THC products nationwide.
aflcio.mn
November 12, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Serious issue for union members to track. A growing number of workers who produce THC beverages in Minnesota are members of @uniteherelocal17.bsky.social.
The East Side Freedom Library is hosting a FREE screening of the documentary film UNION on Thursday, November 20th. The film follows the Amazon workers' first victory organizing a union in the US. RSVP required! #BetterInAUnion
Union FREE SCREENING
Join us for a FREE SCREENING of the powerful, award winning documentary UNION, about the efforts of Amazon warehouse to organize a union.
aflcio.mn
November 12, 2025 at 5:06 PM
The East Side Freedom Library is hosting a FREE screening of the documentary film UNION on Thursday, November 20th. The film follows the Amazon workers' first victory organizing a union in the US. RSVP required! #BetterInAUnion
Reposted by Minnesota AFL-CIO
America’s unions are proud to be home to more than 1 million veterans.
On #VeteransDay and every day, we honor their service and will continue to stand with all veterans, protect the benefits they earned and deliver the secure future they deserve. aflcio.org/press/releas...
On #VeteransDay and every day, we honor their service and will continue to stand with all veterans, protect the benefits they earned and deliver the secure future they deserve. aflcio.org/press/releas...
November 11, 2025 at 1:32 PM
America’s unions are proud to be home to more than 1 million veterans.
On #VeteransDay and every day, we honor their service and will continue to stand with all veterans, protect the benefits they earned and deliver the secure future they deserve. aflcio.org/press/releas...
On #VeteransDay and every day, we honor their service and will continue to stand with all veterans, protect the benefits they earned and deliver the secure future they deserve. aflcio.org/press/releas...
Join baristas on Starbucks busiest sales day of the year, to make sure the company knows we stand with sbworkersunited.bsky.social union baristas in their fight for a fair contract and an end to the company’s years-long union busting campaign. RSVP at aflcio.mn/47OXbcS #BetterInAUnion
Twin Cities Red Cup Rally
Rally with union SBWU baristas on Red Cup Day! Starbucks Workers United baristas across the country are strong and united. We're fired up and ready to do whatever it takes to secure a fair union…
aflcio.mn
November 10, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Join baristas on Starbucks busiest sales day of the year, to make sure the company knows we stand with sbworkersunited.bsky.social union baristas in their fight for a fair contract and an end to the company’s years-long union busting campaign. RSVP at aflcio.mn/47OXbcS #BetterInAUnion
School districts are also financially preparing for uncertainty in federal funding, said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota, the state’s largest teachers’ union. Byron pointed to cuts in special education services as a particular concern.
Voters across Minnesota mostly said yes to school districts’ asks for tax money • Minnesota Reformer
Minnesotans voted on Election Day to approve 60 out of 96 referendums from 70 school districts asking for more funding through higher taxes.
aflcio.mn
November 6, 2025 at 5:05 PM
School districts are also financially preparing for uncertainty in federal funding, said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota, the state’s largest teachers’ union. Byron pointed to cuts in special education services as a particular concern.
Congratulations to Senator Elect Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger on your victory! There's another union member in the State Senate and the pro-labor majority is held! #mnleg #BetterInAUnion
November 5, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Congratulations to Senator Elect Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger on your victory! There's another union member in the State Senate and the pro-labor majority is held! #mnleg #BetterInAUnion
“I am humbled and grateful for the trust the representatives of our state’s union members have given me to continue our shared work to make Minnesota the best state for working people,” Winkels said. “When working people join together in common purpose, we can accomplish great things for one another
Bethany Winkels elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO
The General Board of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the state’s federation of more than 1,000 local unions, unanimously elected Executive Director Bethany Winkels to serve as Secretary-Treasurer. Winkels…
aflcio.mn
November 3, 2025 at 5:20 PM
“I am humbled and grateful for the trust the representatives of our state’s union members have given me to continue our shared work to make Minnesota the best state for working people,” Winkels said. “When working people join together in common purpose, we can accomplish great things for one another
Pres. Burnham joined people impacted by SNAP cuts. "President Trump is either refusing to release emergency funding that has already been appropriated to fund SNAP through the month of November or is so disconnected from working people that he doesn’t see this as a problem."
October 31, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Pres. Burnham joined people impacted by SNAP cuts. "President Trump is either refusing to release emergency funding that has already been appropriated to fund SNAP through the month of November or is so disconnected from working people that he doesn’t see this as a problem."
“As the only state with a full ban on new nuclear construction, Minnesota is limiting its options for a clean energy and worker-first future”, said Jake Schwitzer, Executive Director of North Star Policy Action.
Expanding Possibilities: The Role of Nuclear Energy in Minnesota’s Carbon-Free Future | North Star Policy Action
by aaronrosenthal | Oct 28, 2025 | News
aflcio.mn
October 29, 2025 at 4:08 PM
“As the only state with a full ban on new nuclear construction, Minnesota is limiting its options for a clean energy and worker-first future”, said Jake Schwitzer, Executive Director of North Star Policy Action.
Our rights and freedoms as workers and Americans are under threat. Do you know how to engage in nonviolent direct action? Need a refresher? Join us on November 16th. aflcio.mn/4o6Z6AB
Nonviolent Direct Action Training
Join a Nonviolent Direct Action Training for the pro-labor, pro-democracy movement on November 16 to learn skills for safe, fun, and effective direct actions, including protesting! Whether you’ve…
act.aflcio.org
October 28, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Our rights and freedoms as workers and Americans are under threat. Do you know how to engage in nonviolent direct action? Need a refresher? Join us on November 16th. aflcio.mn/4o6Z6AB
On Day 27 of Trump's Government Shutdown, our message to him remains clear: Fund the government. Fix the health care crisis. And put working people first. Help spread the word and download this flyer. aflcio.mn/47wRTCY
October 27, 2025 at 9:19 PM
On Day 27 of Trump's Government Shutdown, our message to him remains clear: Fund the government. Fix the health care crisis. And put working people first. Help spread the word and download this flyer. aflcio.mn/47wRTCY
Doctors accuse Allina Health of unfair labor practices, saying that a lot of changes made over the years negatively impact patient care. The council said the decision to hand off all outpatient lab work to a provider based in New Jersey caused major patient disruptions.
Allina Doctors Council to announce 10-day strike notice
Members of the Doctors Council at Allina Health are set to announce the filing of a 10-day strike notice, which they say could be the largest strike of its kind in U.S. history.
aflcio.mn
October 24, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Doctors accuse Allina Health of unfair labor practices, saying that a lot of changes made over the years negatively impact patient care. The council said the decision to hand off all outpatient lab work to a provider based in New Jersey caused major patient disruptions.
“Brad played a significant role in passing nearly every piece of pro-labor legislation in Minnesota over the last four decades. The working people of our state, both union and nonunion, are better off because of Brad’s work,” said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham. aflcio.mn/43zvYtr
Minnesota AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Brad Lehto Retires
After more than 25 years and serving in multiple roles at the Minnesota AFL-CIO, Secretary-Treasurer Brad Lehto retired this month.
aflcio.mn
October 23, 2025 at 3:21 PM
“Brad played a significant role in passing nearly every piece of pro-labor legislation in Minnesota over the last four decades. The working people of our state, both union and nonunion, are better off because of Brad’s work,” said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham. aflcio.mn/43zvYtr
Unions are battling the administration in federal courtrooms nationwide, after filing dozens of lawsuits to try to halt attempts to shed hundreds of thousands of government employees, strip collective bargaining rights from over a million workers, and gut some federal agencies.
How are unions pushing back against Trump’s attacks on labor and layoffs?
Unions are battling in court to halt firings and ensure workers retain their collective bargaining rights
aflcio.mn
October 21, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Unions are battling the administration in federal courtrooms nationwide, after filing dozens of lawsuits to try to halt attempts to shed hundreds of thousands of government employees, strip collective bargaining rights from over a million workers, and gut some federal agencies.
When we said that Donald Trump is a SCAB, we weren't kidding.
Nonunion Laborers tearing up the #WhiteHouse #EastWing for a $200M ballroom while REAL workers are LOCKED OUT, waiting on a paycheck. “Workers first”? Don’t make us laugh.
#AmericaFirst #Union #WashingtonDC #unionmoney
#AmericaFirst #Union #WashingtonDC #unionmoney
October 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM
When we said that Donald Trump is a SCAB, we weren't kidding.
“It was sudden, it was callous and it was cruel,” Rienstra said of the abrupt closing. “Months and years of work for the company have been cast aside.”
As baristas warn of strike, Starbucks closes MN’s first unionized store
“It was sudden, it was callous and it was cruel.”
aflcio.mn
October 20, 2025 at 4:42 PM
“It was sudden, it was callous and it was cruel,” Rienstra said of the abrupt closing. “Months and years of work for the company have been cast aside.”
Way to show up, Minnesota!
No Kings Protest Draws 100,000 Demonstrators in Minneapolis - UNICORN RIOT
Minneapolis, MN — Another installment of No Kings protests against “increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration” is sweeping cities across the U.S. today. In…
aflcio.mn
October 19, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Way to show up, Minnesota!