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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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State continues to post budget surpluses despite years of Republican fear mongering

04 Dec, 2014

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement on today’s state budget forecast:

“Minnesotans learned today that their state government continues to be on sound financial and economic ground.

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Minnesota AFL-CIO Statement on 2014 Election

05 Nov, 2014

Following the 2014 election, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:

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Minnesota AFL-CIO names Todd Dahlstrom as Organizing/Growth Director

16 Jul, 2014

In an effort to assist affiliate unions in extending membership to more working Minnesotans, the Minnesota AFL-CIO has hired Todd Dahlstrom as the state labor federation’s Director of Organizing and Growth.

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Legislators leave Capitol with much accomplished for working Minnesotans

16 May, 2014

The 2014 legislative session drew to an early close with much accomplished for Minnesota’s working families.

“Be it the first minimum wage increase in a decade, a job-creating infrastructure package, or leveling the economic playing field for women; Governor Dayton and DFL lawmakers delivered for Minnesota’s working families this year,” said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson. “The last two years have been filled with major steps toward building a better Minnesota.”

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State moving forward under Governor Dayton & DFL Legislature

30 Apr, 2014

Following Governor Mark Dayton’s State of the State address, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:

“Thanks to leadership from Governor Mark Dayton and the DFL Legislature, Minnesota is moving forward into a new era of shared prosperity. More people are going back to work, schools are beginning to get the resources they need, more Minnesotans have affordable health care, taxes are fairer, and wages are going up.

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Statement on State Minimum Wage Increase

10 Apr, 2014

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement after the Legislature sent a $9.50, inflation indexed, minimum wage bill to Governor Dayton’s desk:

“It’s a great week for all Minnesotans, but especially the 357,000 working Minnesotans who make less than $9.50 per hour.

This legislation ensures that Minnesota’s minimum wage catches up to $9.50 per hour and will keep up with the cost of living.