Minnesota at Work was the weekly cable television series by and about workers. In order to reach a wider audience in a timely manner we have moved the series to the web. It is still produced by the University of Minnesota Labor Education Service, which also produces this Workday Minnesota website.
Minnesota @ Work is now on the web!
Read more about our transition to the web. For more information about Minnesota at Work programs, contact Randy Croce by e-mail or by phoning 612-625-5546.
Why Workers Need the Employee Free Choice Act: A Story from Minnesota This story of workers in Minnesota shows why it's important to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. The bill would give employees the choice of how to select their representative for bargaining, would ensure that workers could negotiate a contract and provides penalties for companies that break the law.
The Majority Sign-Up Advantage for Both Employers and Workers Majority sign-up, commonly called "card check" can be an advantage to employers as well as workers. This alternative to a ballot election fosters communication among employees and management, which ultimately leads to greater problem solving for the entire enterprise. That was the experience for clerical employees, management and the governing board at the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis. This unionizing process would be made available to most U.S. workers by the Employee Free Choice Act.
Majority Sign-Up Works: New Flyer Bus Company and CWA Vice President Joe Biden's visit to the New Flyer Bus Company in St. Cloud, MN highlighted how the U.S. economy can be revitalized, not only by "green" technologies, but by fairly paid workers who have a voice on the job. The company gained this advantage by agreeing to recognize the Communications Workers of America to represent plant workers through a majority sign-up. Despite the rough economy, orders have grown and 100 new employees have been hired by the manufacturer over the last year - a testament to what energy-efficient design and a cooperative union/management relationship can accomplish. This video was produced by the Labor Education Service, University of Minnesota. (Newer version with narration.)
SEIU 26 Janitors Fight for Good Jobs and a Green Future Janitors of SEIU Local 26 held a rally and march on December 30, 2009 in Minneapolis to voice their need for full time, energy efficient and ecologically friendly jobs. In contract talks, building contractors have rejected these proposals and made proposals that would roll back the workers' hours and health care benefits.
Minneapolis Truckers Make History -Part 1
Designed for classroom use, this video connects key lessons of the 1934 Minneapolis truckers’ strikes with contemporary labor struggles. The documentary tell the story of the massive and bloody strikes that broke the power of the anti-union Citizens Alliance and helped to usher in a new way forward for labor relations. Highlights include 1934 newsreel footage, interviews with strike veterans and images of recent installations memorializing the conflict. Viewers are encouraged to consider the ways that everyday people make history. Introducing a compelling chapter in the history of Minnesota and the nation, the film raises important questions about civic participation, collective action, political tensions and economic justice. Activities and resources at Minneapolis1934
Mpls Truckers Make History -Part 2
Mpls Truckers Make History -Part 3
The Stonecutters' Fight Against Silicosis
In the early 1900s, most stonecutters in Barre, Vermont died before the age of 50 from silicosis, caused by dust from pneumatic equipment in closed carving sheds. The Granite Cutters Association fought for ventilation equipment for over 30 years. Finally, in 1938, when all of the sheds were organized, the union bargained a contract that mandated installation of suction hoses in exchange for a cut in pay. This agreement saved future generations of stone workers. This clip is an excerpt from "If Stone Could Speak," an hour-long documentary by Randy Croce available by contacting
