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 »
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 »
Stand Up for All Families!
We are certain that next November, Minnesota will vote NO on a constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples. That’s just who we are.
The well-funded opposition has a proven track record of winning by using fear tactics to change the conversation. In 29 other states, that's how they've claimed victory. We know how ugly this will get, and that's why we need your support early.
These are the same people who are pushing attacks against working people. We know their playbook. 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 »
REPORT: American Crystal Sugar Lockout Costing Region Millions
The union representing 1,300 locked out American Crystal Sugar (ACSC) workers in the Red River Valley released a report on the lockout’s economic impact on the region at a meeting attended by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton on Saturday. 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 »
In Recording, American Crystal Sugar President Likens Union Workers to Cancerous Tumor
The already strained relationship between management of American Crystal Sugar Company (ACSC) and its 1,300 locked out workers was dealt another serious blow when recordings of anti-worker statements by ACSC President and CEO Dave Berg were made public this week. read more »
