News

2026 Legislative Priorities

26 Feb, 2026

The Minnesota AFL-CIO and members of our affiliated unions fight for pro-worker laws and push back against any attack on our rights or livelihoods. Minnesota is moving in the right direction, and we made historic gains for workers in 2023 and 2024. It’s up to the Labor Movement to defend that

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Statement on ICE Plan to End Surge

12 Feb, 2026

On Behalf of the ICE Out of Minnesota Coalition (sign on orgs listed below) Minnesota Labor, Faith, Community Groups Issue Statement on Announcement of ICE Plan To End Surge Minnesota, Make Clear Need for Justice for Those Detained and Harmed By Surge MINNESOTA - Following Border Czar Tom Homan

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In funding debate, working Minnesotans demand end to ICE occupation, justice for victims

06 Feb, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham made the following statement in response to a letter from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to Republican Congressional Leaders regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security: “Minnesotans have had

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

Recent

News

Statement on COVID-19 Workers’ Comp reinstatement

03 Feb, 2022

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham issued the following statement on passage of legislation reestablishing rules to make healthcare workers and first responders who have tested positive for COVID-19 eligible for workers’ compensation benefits based on the presumption they contracted virus

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Former MN AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson passes away

03 Feb, 2022

The Minnesota AFL-CIO is saddened to announce the death of former Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson. Elected in 2009 and serving through 2015, Knutson was the first woman to lead the state’s federation of labor unions.

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Burnham sworn in as Minnesota AFL-CIO President

01 Feb, 2022

Bernie Burnham was sworn in today as the 10^th President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the state federation of Labor Unions who represent more than 300,000 working people.

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Minnesota union membership continues to grow

20 Jan, 2022

Union membership in Minnesota continued to grow in 2021. According to data from the U.S.

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Local Jobs & Projects Plan an opportunity for working Minnesotans

18 Jan, 2022

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy issued the following statement responding to today’s announcement of the Governor & Lt. Governor’s Local Jobs & Projects Plan:

News

The Badass 50: #21 Liz Schuler

12 Jan, 2022

"We are building pathways and support structures to grow a bold, inclusive, and transformative movement — I think that's pretty badass," says Shuler, the first woman elected president of the AFL-CIO