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Take Action: Time is Running Out for Millions of Americans

23 Oct, 2025

The government shutdown has now dragged on for 23 days. Across the country, federal workers are struggling to pay bills without their paychecks. And President Trump and his allies in Congress still seem to have no interest in getting to work funding the government and fixing the health care crisis

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

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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. During his time at the Minnesota AFL-CIO

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

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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. Since this administration came to office, it has

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Labor Flexes Its Muscle as Leverage Tips from Employers to Workers

18 Oct, 2021

And many of them are either hitting the picket lines or quitting their jobs as a result.

The changing dynamics of the US labor market, which has put employees rather than employers in the driver's seat in a way not seen for decades, is allowing unions to flex their muscle.

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20 years after mine disaster, Brookwood miners are still fighting for safety

23 Sep, 2021

Twenty years ago today, on a Sunday afternoon in Brookwood, Alabama, 32 coal miners descended 2,000 feet below the ground into the Jim Walter Resources Blue Creek No. 5 Mine for a routine maintenance check.

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We Need A Modern Labor Movement That Brings Good Jobs

20 Sep, 2021

Flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recently, I spotted the ramp workers on the tarmac, busily unloading bags and doing safety checks on the plane in 115 degree heat.

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Workers call on “Essential Workers Frontline Work Group” to deliver hero pay

13 Sep, 2021

Coalition says Republican legislators must drop demand to exclude key workers

“We worked to not leave anyone behind during COVID, and now some legislators are holding up Essential Worker pay in order to exclude us?”

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Minnesota AFL-CIO Condemns Anti-Worker Line 3 Letter

31 Aug, 2021

A recent letter from U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Betty McCollum and other federal and state officials calling on President Joe Biden to stop the Line 3 Replacement suggested the presence of construction workers on the project posed a threat to local residents.

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AFL-CIO President Shuler on Jobs and the Economy

31 Aug, 2021

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler discussed the economy and jobs with the Christian Science Monitor. She also reflected on becoming the first woman to lead the union. The organization’s previous president, Richard Trumka, passed away in August 2021.