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!"

News

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

Recent

News

Homecoming for Liz Shuler

04 Apr, 2022

LABOR PRESS: You’ve been given such a huge responsibility now, with the death of your friend Rich Trumka [In August she was appointed to serve the remainder of his term.] But the entire time you’ve been involved, labor has been struggling to come back. Do you have a secret plan?

News

Statement on February Budget Forecast

28 Feb, 2022

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham issued the following statement on today’s state budget forecast showing $9.25 billion in unallocated budget dollars:

News

We're Not Slowing Down: The Labor Movement Must Keep Up The Fight For Voting Rights

11 Feb, 2022

It was deeply disappointing that just days after our nation paid homage to the great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

News

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

News

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.

News

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.