AFSCME | The UpTake

Labor/Unions

U.S. Supreme Court Delivers Blow to Unions in Janus Decision

By Eric Galatas- Minnesota News Connection | June 28, 2018

A recent report projects the U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus decision will cut wages for government employees, and lead to a drop in U.S. economic activity of between $11.7 billion and $33.4 billion annually.

Labor/Unions

Minnesotans Defend Unions Before Crucial Court Case

By Laurie Stern- Minnesota News Connection | February 26, 2018

The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in a case with high stakes for unions. Janus vs. AFSCME will decide whether public-sector unions can continue to deduct fees for non-members who benefit from representation.

Education

Public Employee Union To MN Legislature: Don’t Blow the Surplus

By Veronica Carter - Minnesota News Connection | March 6, 2017

Minnesota has a budget surplus of $1.65 billion and state lawmakers are being urged not to blow it on tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations.

Labor/Unions

Union Leaders “Dinosaurs”, MN Governor “Irrational” Says GOP Senator

By Michael McIntee | August 30, 2012

Senator Mike Parry (R) calls Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton “irrational” and union leaders “dinosaurs” after Republicans vote 6-4 to reject a contract with unionized state employees.

Illinois

Chicago Public School Teachers On The Road To Striking

By Tracey Pollock | August 30, 2012

Chicago schools may be in recess soon if the city doesn’t bargain in good faith with its teachers. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) could legally begin striking after most schools enter their second week of classes. Milwaukee teachers have been asked to join the strike.

Occupy Movement

Post-Recall Demonstration Focuses On Fairness Issues

By Tracey Pollock | June 7, 2012

The day after Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker survived his recall election, hundreds of activists marched in the streets of Milwaukee in non-violent civil disobedience from Pere Marquette Park to City Hall and into the banking district.

Labor/Unions

Pro-union protests outside hearing on anti-union constitutional amendment

Protest Against “Attack On The Middle Class”

By Allison Herrera | March 12, 2012

Protests that recalled the furor of last year’s Wisconsin labor battle echoed through the Minnesota Capitol’s halls as Senators debate a so called “right to work” constitutional amendment.

Economy/Jobs

Making Occupy Minnesota More Diverse

By Jacob Wheeler | November 2, 2011

Last Friday the New York Times ran a story titled “Occupy Wall Street Struggles to Make ‘the 99%’ Look Like Everybody” which described the movement as “white and middle-class”. Occupy MN appears to be in the same boat.

Economy/Jobs

St. Paul City Council Member Melvin Carter

“A Report Card is Coming, and (GOP Freshmen) Won’t be Coming Back”

By Jacob Wheeler | July 7, 2011

Several thousand union members rallied at the State Capitol to lament the public-sector workers who are unemployed under a government shutdown, to protest the GOP’s all-cuts budget, and to commend Governor Dayton for fighting to increase taxes on Minnesota millionaires.

Economy/Jobs

Minneapolis Activists Rally to Support Wisconsin and Union Workers

By Bill Sorem | March 16, 2011

Yesterday, local citizens in Minneapolis joined 270 separate rallies across the nation organized by MoveOn.org and endorsed by 50 other organizations.

Labor/Unions

Teachers, Union Leaders, a Reverend and Fireman Speak In Unity For Workers

By Jacob Wheeler | March 15, 2011

Here are video clips from Saturday’s massive rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, which as many as 150,000 people attended.

Labor/Unions

Workers Defend Their Rights in Wisconsin & Ohio

By Jacob Wheeler | March 2, 2011

In this elegantly produced video of workers’ rights demonstrations in Madison and Columbus, New Left Media interviews protesters who have been locked out in the cold.