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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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Statement on COVID-19 Workers’ Comp reinstatement

03 Feb, 2022

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham issued the following statement on passage of legislation reestablishing rules to make healthcare workers and first responders who have tested positive for COVID-19 eligible for workers’ compensation benefits based on the presumption they contracted virus

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Former MN AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson passes away

03 Feb, 2022

The Minnesota AFL-CIO is saddened to announce the death of former Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson. Elected in 2009 and serving through 2015, Knutson was the first woman to lead the state’s federation of labor unions.

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Burnham sworn in as Minnesota AFL-CIO President

01 Feb, 2022

Bernie Burnham was sworn in today as the 10^th President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the state federation of Labor Unions who represent more than 300,000 working people.

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Minnesota union membership continues to grow

20 Jan, 2022

Union membership in Minnesota continued to grow in 2021. According to data from the U.S.

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Local Jobs & Projects Plan an opportunity for working Minnesotans

18 Jan, 2022

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy issued the following statement responding to today’s announcement of the Governor & Lt. Governor’s Local Jobs & Projects Plan:

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The Badass 50: #21 Liz Schuler

12 Jan, 2022

"We are building pathways and support structures to grow a bold, inclusive, and transformative movement — I think that's pretty badass," says Shuler, the first woman elected president of the AFL-CIO