Anti-Middle Class “Right to Work” Amendment Bad for Working Minnesotans, Bad for Business
In a seemingly unending stream of constitutional amendments, State Senator Dave Thompson & Representative Steve Drazkowski held a press conference to publicize an anti-middle class amendment that would force union workers to pay for their non-union co-workers’ representation. read more »
Stop Voter Suppression!
Over the past year we’ve seen unprecedented attacks on voting rights across the country. Unfortunately, the same type of irresponsible legislating that is happening all over our country is on the move right here in Minnesota. Instead of focusing on creating jobs and improving our economy, our legislature is attempting to pass a bill that will create barriers to voting for all Minnesotans. read more »
Corporate Special Interests Fuel Anti-Middle Class “Right to Work” Push in Minnesota
Today, a think tank backed by corporate special interests released a study promoting anti-middle class legislation in Minnesota. The right-wing Center of the American Experiment’s report urges lawmakers to make Minnesota a low-wage, anti-middle class “Right to Work” state. read more »
President Obama Delivers Hope & Vision for Working Americans
Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“For the millions of Americans still feeling the pain of Wall Street’s greed; President Obama’s State of the Union address was a sign of hope.
“President Obama laid out a new vision for an America that builds on our economic recovery and once again opens up opportunities for everyone, not just corporate special interests and the richest 1%. read more »
Pass Jobs & Infrastructure Bill Now
In response to Governor Dayton’s proposal for a job-creating infrastructure bill, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:
“Governor Dayton continues to offer proven plans to create the jobs that thousands of Minnesotans desperately need.
“The Governor’s jobs and infrastructure bill will put 21,700 Minnesotans back to work in family-sustaining private sector jobs. read more »
Crystal Sugar’s SEC Report Shows Lockout is Hurting the Company
On Friday, American Crystal Sugar Company issued its quarterly report covering the three months ending November 30, 2011. This was the first full quarterly report issued by the company since the August 1 lockout of its 1,300 permanent union workers.
The report indicates that Crystal Sugar’s replacement workers have failed to maintain the same productivity as its permanent workers represented by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM). read more »
Jobs Plan Sets the Right Tone for 2012 Session
Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson praised the job creation proposal Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and legislative Democrats offered today. read more »
Stand With Sugar Workers!
For generations, the sugar beet industry has been the lifeblood of Northwest Minnesota’s Red River Valley.
Sugar workers have always stood shoulder to shoulder with American Crystal Sugar and farmers to protect and advance the sugar industry.
Together, the workers, company and growers have helped to build the local economy, support families, and made communities flourish. Now, American Crystal has put all of this in jeopardy by locking out workers.
read more »
Unemployment Rate Down, Help for Job-Seekers Going Away
Despite Minnesota’s employers cutting nearly 14,000 jobs in November, the state’s unemployment rate still fell to 5.9%. Unfortunately, that number means thousands of jobless Minnesotans will become ineligible for long-term federal unemployment benefits that end when a state’s three-month unemployment rate falls below 6.5%. Additionally, if Congress fails to act on extending long-term federal benefits an estimated 28,000 Minnesotans will lose a critical lifeline. read more »
