Press releases
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Minnesota AFL-CIO Calls on American Crystal Sugar to Respond to Governor Dayton
On Monday, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton offered to facilitate negotiations between American Crystal Sugar executives and union representatives in an effort to end a nearly five-month long lockout of 1,300 workers. Presidents of the affected Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers' (BCTGM) Union immediately accepted the Governor’s offer. American Crystal Sugar has yet to publically respond. read more »
28,100 Minnesotans to Lose Unemployment Insurance Lifeline Unless Congress Acts Before January 1st
As families prepare for the holiday, a new report released by the AFL-CIO shows that, 28,100 Minnesotans will lose their unemployment benefits on December 31st if Congress fails to act to extend unemployment insurance.
In Minnesota as well as across the country, jobless workers and their communities will be holding prayer vigils on Thursday December 8 to call attention to the ongoing jobs crisis and to urge Congress to take immediate action and extend unemployment benefits. read more »
It’s Still a Deficit for Middle Class Families
Responding to Minnesota’s November Budget Forecast, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:
“While Republican legislators pop champagne bottles over a balance sheet that shows the state budget in the black, they should remember how they insisted on begging, borrowing, and stealing that money from school children, middle class families, vulnerable Minnesotans, and seniors; all to protect millionaires. read more »
Minnesota AFL-CIO Lauds Action on Veterans Job Creation
Upon learning of the US Senate’s passage of two key Veterans portions of President Obama’s American Jobs Act and the President’s executive actions, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:
“It’s fitting that ahead of Veterans Day, the United States Senate and the President moved to create new job opportunities for the brave men and women who have served our country. read more »