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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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Minnesota AFL-CIO applauds Governor Dayton’s decision to bring lawmakers back to the negotiating table

30 May, 2017

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy issued the following statement responding to Governor Mark Dayton’s decision to bring lawmakers back to the negotiating table:

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Minnesota AFL-CIO calls on Governor Dayton to veto E-12 bill

26 May, 2017

Citing the unprecedented attack on union members’ professional standards and workplace protections, the Minnesota AFL-CIO is calling on Governor Mark Dayton to veto the E-12 finance bill and send lawmakers back into special session.

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CEO Pay Increases to 347 Times Average Workers

09 May, 2017

CEO pay for major U.S. companies has risen nearly 6 percent, as income inequality and outsourcing of good-paying American jobs have increased.

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Local elected officials urge Governor Dayton to veto so-called “preemption bill”

04 May, 2017

Local elected officials from Twin Cities suburbs came to the State Capitol today to urge Governor Mark Dayton to veto legislation that would strip local government’s authority to raise labor standards for working people in their communities.

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Minnesota AFL-CIO names Bethany Winkels as Campaigns Director

02 May, 2017

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy announced that Bethany Winkels has been named Campaigns Director. Winkels, the federation’s Field Director since February of 2016, succeeds Kris Fredson who is taking a position with the Laborers District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota.

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Statement on the February 2017 State Budget Forecast

28 Feb, 2017

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy issued the following statement on the February 2017 state budget forecast that projected a budget surplus increase from $1.4 billion to $1.65 billion: