From federal agencies like the National Labor Relations Board to lawmakers in Washington and state capitals, government at all levels makes decisions that affect workers' lives. Throughout U.S. history, employers have attempted to use government as a tool against workers, while unions have mobilized their members on behalf of many significant improvements, including abolition of child labor and passage of minimum wage, workplace safety, overtime pay, Social Security, health care and many other laws.
A four-year grassroots campaign to enact a $15 per hour minimum wage in the city of Minneapolis is approaching a dramatic conclusion.
The U.S. Senate plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, drafted in secret by the Republican majority, sparked a major rally and protests outside the offices of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Citizens of all backgrounds – including many low-wage workers – packed Thursday’s public hearing at Minneapolis City Hall on the City Council proposal for a $15 minimum wage.
Supporters of a $15 minimum wage in Minneapolis plan a massive turnout at City Hall Thursday, June 22, for a public hearing on the issue.
Reverting to a theme of the George W. Bush administration, Alexander Acosta, the new U.S. Labor Secretary, is pushing aiding businesses to go along with workplace protection laws through “compliance assistance” first, and enforcement second.
The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, invites all union members to attend a “meet and greet” event Wednesday, June 14, with candidates for Minneapolis mayor.
Two congressional Democrats, including one who first raised the alarm two years ago, unveiled legislation for a pilot program on how to give workers in the so-called “gig economy” protections and benefits other workers have.
Governor Mark Dayton signed state budget bills Tuesday, but vetoed funding for the Minnesota Legislature in an effort to force lawmakers back to the bargaining table to rescind policy measures opposed by many Minnesotans.
The Minnesota AFL-CIO, the labor federation representing unions across the state, joined Education Minnesota in calling on Governor Mark Dayton to veto an education funding bill passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Other organizations urged Dayton to veto finance bills that included provisions harmful to immigrants and low-wage workers.
Workers are organizing through unions and other organizations to improve their lives. Union representation provides a voice on the job and the opportunity to improve wages, benefits and working conditions.
Labor still lacks coordinated approach to organizing the South