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Photo of retiring Northeast Area Labor Council President Alan Netland

Statement on Alan Netland’s retirement as President of the Northeast Area Labor Council

12 Dec, 2025

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham made the following statement on the retirement of Northeast Area Labor Council President Alan Netland: “On behalf of Minnesota’s entire Labor Movement, I want to thank President Netland for his years of service to the working people of Duluth, Northeast

Human Rights Day | An image with the words, "Safety Dignity Freedom | Rights are for Everyone. No Exceptions."

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AFL-CIO Observes International Human Rights Day

10 Dec, 2025

Since its earliest days, the AFL-CIO has argued that the dignity and freedom of working people are fundamental human rights, aligning our mission with the principles later enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today, those rights are under attack.

People holding signs. One reads "We Love our Immigrant Neighbors." The other reads "Workers over billionaires!"

News

We refuse to let Trump break our solidarity

03 Dec, 2025

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham made the following statement in response to President Trump’s threats to Minnesota’s Somali American community: “In the Labor Movement, an injury to one is an injury to all. By vilifying our Somali American co-workers and neighbors and threatening military

A collage of Minnesota's three Labor newspapers.

Minnesota Labor Newspapers

Only a handful of active Labor newspapers remain in the United States and Minnesota is fortunate to be home to three of them. For the latest local labor news, check out:

Duluth Labor World

Photo of attendees at the November 2025 Duluth Racial & Economic Justice Forum.

News

Join the Minnesota AFL-CIO Committee on Racial & Economic Justice

18 Nov, 2025

Multiple seats on the Minnesota AFL-CIO's Committee on Racial and Economic Justice are opening in January and we want to give you the opportunity to be considered for one of those seats.

Photo of Minnesota AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Bethany Winkels

News

Bethany Winkels elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO

03 Nov, 2025

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 succeeds Brad Lehto who retired earlier last month.

Photo of retiring MN AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Brad Lehto

News

Minnesota AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Brad Lehto Retires

23 Oct, 2025

After more than 25 years and serving in multiple roles at the Minnesota AFL-CIO, Secretary-Treasurer Brad Lehto retired this month. Prior to his 2018 election, Secretary-Treasurer Lehto served as the State Federation’s Legislative Director and Chief of Staff.

Federal workers holding signs that say, "Public Service is a Badge of Honor."

News

End the shutdown, fund our government, fix the healthcare crisis, and put working people first

01 Oct, 2025

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham made the following statement on the federal government shutdown:

“It’s unfortunately no surprise that President Trump and the Republican majority in Congress have allowed our nation’s government to shut down.

Minnesota State Capitol with a large group of people in front of it. The sky is deep blue behind the Capitol Dome.

News

2025 Legislative Report

17 Sep, 2025

The Minnesota AFL-CIO, the state’s federation of more than 1,000 local unions who represent over 300,000 working people, released its 2025 Legislative report. The report analyzes how state lawmakers voted on key labor priorities during the 2025 session.

News

Court dismisses challenge to captive audience meeting ban

04 Sep, 2025

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Benrie Burnham made the following statement on Wednesday’s ruling by the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit dismissing a challenge to Minnesota’s 2023

Statement on Alan Netland’s retirement as President of the Northeast Area Labor Council

AFL-CIO Observes International Human Rights Day

We refuse to let Trump break our solidarity

Minnesota Labor Newspapers

Recent

Join the Minnesota AFL-CIO Committee on Racial & Economic Justice

Bethany Winkels elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO

Minnesota AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Brad Lehto Retires

End the shutdown, fund our government, fix the healthcare crisis, and put working people first

2025 Legislative Report

Court dismisses challenge to captive audience meeting ban