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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 to Benefit from New Department of Labor Grants for Apprenticeship Programs

14 Sep, 2015

The Minnesota AFL-CIO applauds the Department of Labor for awarding millions of

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Bill McCarthy Elected President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO

14 Jul, 2015

The Minnesota AFL-CIO General Board today elected Bill McCarthy to serve as the state labor federation's next President. McCarthy, currently Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation President, will be sworn in October 13 to succeed retiring President Shar Knutson.

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Statement on Supreme Court’s Grant of Certification in Friedrichs v. CTA

30 Jun, 2015

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States agreed to hear a challenge on collective bargaining rights. The case, Friedrichs v.

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Still time for a comprehensive transportation bill

17 May, 2015

With less than two days remaining in the legislative session and no agreement on a comprehensive transportation bill, Minnesota AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Steve Hunter issued the following statement:

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Minnesota’s CEOs Paid 305 Times More Than the Average Worker

13 May, 2015

According to the AFL-CIO’s annual Executive PayWatch report, Minnesota S&P 500 CEOs made an average of $13.9 million in 2014 – 305 times more than the average worker.

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House GOP’s “Jobs” bill will lower & freeze wages, hurt job creation

22 Apr, 2015

Today the Minnesota House passed legislation that Republicans called a “jobs bill.” Looking closer at the legislation, it’s clear that it will hurt working Minnesotans.