News

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!"

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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

News

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:

David K. Roe President, MN AFL-CIO (1966 - 1985) 1.jpg

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Statement on the death of former Minnesota AFL-CIO President David Roe

13 Feb, 2017

The Minnesota AFL-CIO is saddened to announce the death of former Minnesota AFL-CIO President David Roe. Roe served as Minnesota AFL-CIO President from 1966 to 1984. Prior to becoming President, Roe lead both the Minneapolis and Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council.

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Jobs Bill Puts Working Minnesotans First

04 Jan, 2017

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy issued the following statement on Governor Dayton’s $1.5 billion jobs bill:

News

Budget Forecast an Opportunity

02 Dec, 2016

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy issued the following statement on the November 2016 state budget forecast that projected a $1.4 billion surplus and stable economic growth:

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

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

Minnesota AFL-CIO names Bethany Winkels as Campaigns Director

Statement on the February 2017 State Budget Forecast

Statement on the death of former Minnesota AFL-CIO President David Roe

Jobs Bill Puts Working Minnesotans First

Budget Forecast an Opportunity