News

Federal funding to help vulnerable Americans in danger of getting cut

Federal money for programs and services that help millions of vulnerable Americans and employ many AFSCME members could be in jeopardy next year.

Announcing the 2023-2024 Al Church Scholarship Winners

Congratulations are in order for this year's Al Church Scholarship winners.

Year in review: 2021 was a banner year for Cultural Workers United


2021 was a banner year for Cultural Workers United

Walker Worker Union (AFSCME Council 5)

Paraprofessional Recognition Week

On Monday January 24, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a proclamation order naming this week Paraprofessional Recognition Week. In the proclamation, Governor Walz recognized the service and passion of over 20,000 paraprofessionals who support students in our schools. We thank the governor for lifting up the work of such an essential group of public workers who devote their careers to the next generation of Minnesotans. Most importantly we thank our paraprofessional members who make us proud each and every day. 

AFSCME mourns the loss of a beloved member of our union family, Mildred Wurf

AFSCME mourns the loss of Mildred Wurf, a beloved member of our union family, a pioneering District Council 37 educator and the widow of former AFSCME president, Jerry Wurf. Mildred Wurf died on Dec. 29 at the age of 95.

New Year's Message from Executive Director, Shannon Douvier

When we look back on this year, I hope we can remember all we accomplished instead of how difficult things have been.  For many of us, after almost two years on the frontlines of this pandemic, this year was filled with stress, chaos, and fatigue.  Yet, together, the members of AFSCME Council 65 have accomplished amazing things. 2021 saw a rebirth of solidarity and collective action. You and your union siblings showed AFSCME can lead in Minnesota and South Dakota. 

Honoring the anniversary of America’s first pay equity strike

Striketober and Strikesgiving are over, but worker strikes are still going strong. As I write this, Kellogg’s workers are holding the line in Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Memphis. Alabama miners are heading into their ninth month of standing up to Warrior Met Coal. And the wave of worker actions demonstrating power and the fight for fairness continues to rise.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders joins signing ceremony of historic infrastructure bill

AFSCME President Lee Saunders on Monday joined President Joe Biden and members of his administration, as well as a bipartisan group of lawmakers, for the signing ceremony of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Congress has finally passed an infrastructure bill. Build Back Better should be next.

The House of Representatives has passed President Joe Biden’s transformational bipartisan infrastructure plan, which Biden will soon sign into law. The passage earned praise from AFSCME President Lee Saunders, who, in a statement, said, “We are turning a corner.”

What You Need to Know, OSHA Vaccine Requirement

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released its Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) relating to COVID-19 and employers of more than 100 workers. Minnesota operates its own OSHA standards and will have 30 days to release its own version that includes all provisions from the Federal ETS. Because of this, Minnesota's ETS will apply to all public employees. For South Dakota, this will only apply to private employers.