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In an effort to assist affiliate unions in extending membership to more working Minnesotans, the Minnesota AFL-CIO has hired Todd Dahlstrom as the state labor federation’s Director of Organizing and Growth.

The 2014 legislative session drew to an early close with much accomplished for Minnesota’s working families.

“Be it the first minimum wage increase in a decade, a job-creating infrastructure package, or leveling the economic playing field for women; Governor Dayton and DFL lawmakers delivered for Minnesota’s working families this year,” said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson. “The last two years have been filled with major steps toward building a better Minnesota.”

Following Governor Mark Dayton’s State of the State address, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:

“Thanks to leadership from Governor Mark Dayton and the DFL Legislature, Minnesota is moving forward into a new era of shared prosperity. More people are going back to work, schools are beginning to get the resources they need, more Minnesotans have affordable health care, taxes are fairer, and wages are going up.

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement after the Legislature sent a $9.50, inflation indexed, minimum wage bill to Governor Dayton’s desk:

“It’s a great week for all Minnesotans, but especially the 357,000 working Minnesotans who make less than $9.50 per hour.

This legislation ensures that Minnesota’s minimum wage catches up to $9.50 per hour and will keep up with the cost of living.

In response to today’s agreement between the House and Senate on legislation to raise Minnesota’s minimum wage to $9.50 by 2016 and to make future upward adjustments to reflect the cost of living, Raise the Wage Coalition co-chairs Peggy Flanagan, Executive Director, Children’s Defense Fund, Minnesota; Brian Rusche, Executive Director, Joint Religious Legislative Coalition; and Shar Knutson, President, Minnesota AFL-CIO, issue