The GOP's maneuvering to kill local control of measures that would improve life for workers has backfired. Read more >>>

February 21, 2017:

• Support local control, stop corporate interference
• Fix transportation now
• Pensions
• Child protection funding
• Governor's tax proposal

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Director’s Column – Stepping Up – October 15, 2016

With the November 8th election fast approaching, I’m asking you to BELIEVE. Not just in a particular candidate’s ability to bring real change to Minnesota, but to believe in our union’s collective power to make our state work even better.

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Online college degrees are available for members spouses, partners, children, step children and grand children.  Read more >>>

“Right to Work” on steroids hits Minnesota legislature

www.afscme.org/news/press-room/press-releases/2016/afscmes-response-to-supreme-court-ruling-in-friedrichs-v-california-teachers-association

 

AFSCME has a packed agenda. Here are some of the big issues we’ll be focusing on. Read more >>>

On Monday, Jan. 11, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case that seeks to undermine our rights to negotiate for fair pay and benefits that sustain our families.

Bad boss barred from another attempt to decertify for a year Read more >>>

University workers stand together to demand livable wages and reasonable family leave policies Read more >>>

 Please watch the trailer and find some time to watch the entire film.  This is what is possible here in Minnesota without the solidarity and committment from members to act in what fashion you are comfortable.  Everyone has a place in our Union and is needed to keep our Union strong!

Click on the link below to view the trailer for "We are Wisconsin."

www.youtube.com/watch

AFSCME International threw down the challenge: It dared locals to sign up 50,000 new members before its July convention. Members in Minnesota and across the country responded – big time.

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Despite bipartisan opposition, supporters of the irresponsible "Right to Work" Constitutional Amendment are trying to move the bill forward in the Minnesota Senate. They know that Minnesotans oppose this unsafe, unfair and unnecessary law, and have resorted to desperate gimmicks to try to pass it.

This bill is not what its supporters say it is. Plain and simple, this isn't a right to work; it's the right to hurt workers, our economy, and the middle class.
 

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This email letter that was released to all Judicial Branch employees is just the reminder that we needed to boost solidarity in our Local. See by letting all know that the unrepresented are taking a wage freeze, for us to negotiate for steps or cost of living raises, the employer is hoping that we will just follow suit. Also it is the attempt of the Employer to divide the unrepresented and represented, and simple reason is so they stay unrepresented. The larger we cover the Judicial Branch being represented employees, the less power they have to "tell us how things are going to be." This is perfect example why we should be uniting our Local to show the Judicial Branch that we are watching. This is not going to back us down from continuing to organize within our own Local and beyond in the Judicial Branch. If you would like to sign a card and become a full member as we are turning the corner into negotiations to show the employer we have definite power in numbers please contact your local steward. United we bargain, divided we beg! As the Employer stated in the email, there reason is to save jobs...that is there scare tactic for people to lay down and just agree. "If you are not at the Table, you are on the menu." Why we bargain and negotiate!

This article explains the day in the life of a Volunteer Member Organizer (VMO).  What we have in our contract is far from what other's experience at their jobs.   Things like holidays, time off accumulation, lay-off language, and job security are just a few of the particulars that other's do not have.  These opportunities are available to any member that is willing to step up and become more active.  This article is taken out of the current March Stepping Up magazine distributed by AFSCME Council 5. 

By: Sabrina Becker