October 6: CTUL’s 10th anniversary gala will celebrate gains for low-wage workers— page 3 Minneapolis Labor Review 110th Year No. 5 September 29, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO U of M report: Minnesota workers in unions earn

Brad Bourn 8% more MINNEAPOLIS — In Min- Minneapolis Park Board nesota, membership in a union increases the average worker’s District 6 wage by 8 percent. That’s one of MRLF puts new focus on 2017 the key findings of “The State of Minneapolis Park Board races the Unions: A Profile of Union- ization in Minnesota and in See page 7 America,” a report released Sep- Laborers voice alarm about asbestos work at Southdale tember 4 to coincide with Labor EDINA — Workers in haz-mat suits took up positions at the entrances to Southdale shopping center the week of September 18. Labor news Day 2017. Led by Laborers Local 563, Minneapolis building trades unions began an informational picket to alert the public that an out-of- updated daily The report presents an over- state contractor whose sister company has a history of safety violations was performing asbestos abatement work at the mall. www.workdayminnesota.org view on the status of unionized For more information, banners directed the public to a website, ShopAtYourOwnRisk.com. See story, page 8. employment in the state and an- alyzes the effect unions have on Minneapolis Regional wages and benefits. Labor Federation… The report was co-authored Missouri petition drive stops anti-union Follow us on facebook! by Monica Bielski Boris, direc- www.facebook.com/minneapolisunions tor of the University of Minne- ‘Right to Work’ law; Voters to decide sota’s Labor Education Service, along with researchers from the By Tim Rowden, editor, the signature gathering cam- We Are Missouri coalition Midwest Economic Policy Insti- St. Louis Labor Tribune, paign at a rally August 18 at turned in at least 100,000 certi- tute, the University of Illinois, and Press Associates IBEW Local 1 hall in St. Louis. fied signatures. and the Illinois Economic Policy ST. LOUIS (PAI) — Workers The Missouri law is part of a The Missouri AFL-CIO’s Institute. and their allies capped a suc- national campaign by anti-work- Louis told supporters at the In Minnesota, union mem- cessful petition drive by collect- er, anti-union corporate interests, IBEW hall that the signatures bership increases a worker’s ing more than 300,000 notarized allied with the radical right, to de- were submitted earlier that day wages by 8 percent on average, signatures of voters to put repeal stroy workers and crush unions, following a rally in the state cap- the researchers found. The posi- of Missouri’s controversial so- by crippling unions’ financing itol rotunda in Jefferson City. tive union effect on wages called “Right to Work” law on and thus their ability to defend And the signatures were triple bumps up to nearly 9 percent for the referendum ballot in No- workers and their families. the number the coalition needed. women and 14 percent for work- vember 2018. Missouri’s “Right to Work” “What you’ve accomplished ers of color. Unions help to close The petitions, turned in to law, which lawmakers passed will go down in the history racial and gender income gaps. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Greitens signed in February, books!’’ Louis told the enthusi- “Unions are therefore one of weeks ahead of the mandatory 2017, was set to take effect Au- astic crowd, emphasizing that the most effective anti-poverty late August deadline, also gust 28, 2017, allowing free- union volunteers had collected institutions in Minnesota,” Biel- automatically stopped imple- loaders to enjoy all the benefits enough signatures in each of the ski Boris and the other authors mentation of the anti-worker, of union representation without state’s eight congressional dis- wrote. anti-union law, which the paying union dues or fees to tricts — even though signatures The union membership rate Republican-dominated state support running the union. The from only six districts were is 14.2 percent in Minnesota, 3.5 legislature approved earlier this law has one goal: To cripple and needed — to put the measure on percentage points higher than year and which Republican destroy unions. the ballot. And even more signa- the U.S. average, according to governor Eric Greitens eagerly The apparent success of the tures were being collected. the report. In 2016, about signed — despite worker, petition drive stops that — for “It really is humbling to 364,000 workers in Minnesota business and union opposition. now. know what you’ve accom- belonged to a labor union. This Missouri AFL-CIO president Secretary of State Ashcroft plished will go down in the his- total reflects a modest and steady Mike Louis and other union said the law can’t be enforced if tory books as being the first time REPORT page 5 leaders announced the results of working Missourians with the PETITION page 5 Using 2017’s elections to prepare for even more important 2018 By Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President, we have the 2017 elections before us. Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation School board members, city council 2018 is going to need to be a banner members and mayors across our region year for organizing. In anticipation of a will be on the ballot this November. U.S. Supreme Court decision, our pub- Our cities are the most foundational lic-sector unions will be stepping up level of our democracy and it is the clos- member-to-member internal est level of government with organizing and likely will be which a worker interacts. In transitioning to a ‘Right to spite of the monumental chal- Work’ environment. Major in- lenges we are facing as a na- dustry contracts will be up for tion and as workers, I am opti- negotiation. And we will be mistic about the way our local entering into one of the most communities are responding. important-ever elections for Our local elected officials Minnesota governor and Min- hold power and influence in nesota legislature. their communities. From pre- What happens in 2018 vailing wage, to teachers’ will forever shape the future of the labor contracts, to sub-contracting, these public MRLF endorses in school board races for movement here in Minnesota. If we fail officials make decisions every day which to elect a labor-friendly governor, and the impact workers and our unions. Anoka-Hennepin, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Republicans retain control of the legisla- In the Labor Review, you will see some ture, Minnesota could well become a of our most exciting up-and-coming local MINNEAPOLIS — Delegates to the For two at large seats on the Buffa- “Right to Work” state. elected leaders highlighted. Supporting Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, lo-Hanover-Montrose school board, the If that happens, look next-door to Wis- these candidates and organizing in their AFL-CIO voted September 13 to endorse MRLF endorsed: consin to see what would be ahead. A communities this year is an important step in school board races for the Anoka-Hen- n Amanda Burnham Reineck. new study, “The State of Working Wis- leading to mobilizing voters in 2018. nepin school district and the Buffa- n Bob Sansevere (incumbent). consin 2017,” looked at the economic In addition to elections for local elect- lo-Montrose-Hanover school district. MRLF endorses school levy data contributing to Wisconsin job ed officials this November, local school For Anoka-Hennepin school board, campaigns in nine districts growth, which lags way behind the na- districts will be going to the voters to se- the MRLF endorsed: In addition to these school board en- tional average: “The issues, taken togeth- cure the funding that they need to fund n Anna Dirkswager, District 4. dorsements, the MRLF also has endorsed er, are daunting – slow growth in the Wis- day-to-day operations and to fix crum- n Bill Harvey, District 3 (incumbent). school levy campaigns in nine school consin labor market, long-term stagnation bling infrastructure. n Jeff Simon, District 6 (incumbent). districts (see endorsement list, page 3). in wages, extreme black/white disparity, Election day, November 7, 2017 will increasing income inequality, and declin- be an important opportunity for workers MRLF endorses Larry Fonnest and Jim Ryan ing unionization.” That’s not a path we to determine how our local communities want to follow for our state. are responding in the current era’s incred- That means here at the Minneapolis ibly anti-worker moment. We’ll be mobi- for Golden Valley city council at large Regional Labor Federation we are build- lizing our new Community Action teams MINNEAPOLIS — Delegates to the resident who has been active in DFL pol- ing now. We are investing in year-round on behalf of our endorsed candidates and Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, itics. organizing and building out new Com- education levies. AFL-CIO voted September 13 to endorse Contact: larryfonnest.com. munity Action teams all across our sev- We’ll need all of you to engage your Larry Fonnest and Jim Ryan for Golden First-time candidate Jim Ryan, a 30- en-county region. school boards and city councils because Valley city council. year Golden Valley resident, is well- Part of the strategy going into 2018 it’s going to take all of us at all levels to The Golden Valley city council in- known to the MRLF. In the 2014 election and beyond is to make sure that the elect- chart a pro-worker path forward. cludes four at-large seats, with two posi- cycle, Ryan knocked the most doors of ed leaders in our local communities are See list of 2017 MRLF-endorsed can- tions up for election this year. any of the MRLF’s field staff —2,300 on our team. And, before we get to 2018, didates and school levies, page 3. Larry Fonnest, a one-term incumbent, doors! also ran with MRLF endorsement when Ryan retired in 2015 after a 40-year ‘Welcome’ to new Minneapolis Labor Review readers first elected in 2013. career with the Social Security Adminis- The second incumbent, IBEW Local tration. He was an AFGE union steward As a member of a union affiliated with the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, you now 292 member Andy Snope, chose not to and AFGE Local 3129’s legislative and are receiving a subscription to the monthly Minneapolis Labor Review. Several affiliates recently have up- run for re-election. political coordinator. dated their Labor Review mailing lists. For subscriber service, see page 11. Fonnest is a 21-year Golden Valley Contact: [email protected],

Minneapolis Labor Review The Minneapolis Labor Review Newspaper — USPS 351 120 — (ISSN Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO 0274-9017) is published monthly for $10.00 per year in the United States Executive Board Since 1907 by the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, 312 Central Avenue, Suite 542, Minneapolis, MN 55414-1077. Steve Share, Editor Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President; Louise Sundin, All other countries $5.00 additional per year. Executive Vice President; Pete Lindahl, First Vice Next issue: Periodical postage paid at Minneapolis, Minnesota T S-70 W I N I T I E S AFL-CIO C President; Mike Zagaros, Second Vice President; Dan DULUTH and additional post offices. October 27, 2017 McConnell, Financial Secretary-Treasurer; Kelly Wilson, POSTMASTER send address changes to: General Election Issue Register Clerk; Paul Mueller, Deputy Register Clerk; Deadline: Minneapolis Labor Review Newspaper, 312 Central Avenue, Suite 542, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Grace Baltich, Reading Clerk; Joyce Carlson, Recording October 11, 2017 Secretary; Tommy Bellfield, Sgt.-At-Arms; Martin Goff, See page 11 for complete 2017 schedule Office (612) 379-4725 Fax (612) 379-1307 Aaron Hill, Russ Scherber, Mary Turner and Jigme Ugen “The rights labor has won, labor must fight to protect.” [email protected] - Trustees; Steve Buck, Carol Nieters, Judy Russell-Martin —Floyd B. Olson, Minnesota Governor, 1930-1936 www.minneapolisunions.org - At Large.

Page 2 • Minneapolis Labor Review • September 29, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation Events Committee On Political Education: September 30: Annual antique car show will 2017 Endorsements raise funds for Carpenters Union Food Shelf SAINT PAUL — Come to view some Proceeds will benefit the Carpenters really cool antique cars — or show off Union Food Shelf. your own wheels — at the 7th Annual Admission: two nonperishable food Car Show presented by the North Central items or a cash donation to the Carpen- States Regional Council of Carpenters. ters Union Food Shelf. Minneapolis City Council The event will be Saturday, Septem- For more information, contact Kory Ward 1 Ward 5 Ward 10 ber 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hansen at 612-735-2155 or Dave Kevin Reich Blong Yang Lisa Bender 710 Olive Street, Saint Paul. Lasserre at 651-379-0223. Ward 2 Ward 6 Ward 11 Food will be available for purchase. Motorcycles also will be welcome. Cam Gordon Abdi Warsame John Quincy Ward 3 Ward 7 Ward 12 October 3 ‘Labor Movie Night’ continues labor Steve Fletcher Lisa Goodman Andrew Johnson history series, ‘Plutocracy II: Solidarity Forever’ Ward 4 Ward 8 Ward 13 Barb Johnson Andrea Jenkins Linea Palmisano SAINT PAUL — “Labor Movie erful visuals. Ward 9 Night” will present the second of film- “Plutocracy I” focused on the ways maker Scott Noble’s labor history docu- that race, nationality, and ethnicity divid- Alondra Cano mentary series, “Plutocracy II: Solidarity ed workers and allowed employers to con- Forever,” Tuesday, October 3 at 7:00 quer. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board p.m. at the East Side Freedom Library, “Plutocracy II” focuses on the ways District 2 District 4 At Large 1105 Greenbrier St., Saint Paul. that workers transcended these divisions Jono Cowgill Londel French “Plutocracy II: Solidarity Forever” to create solidarity and power.​ Kale Severson (USA, 2016, 116 minutes) uses similar “Labor Movie Night” is free and open District 3 District 6 methods to Noble’s first film — meticu- to all and is co-sponsored by AFSCME A.K. Hassan Brad Bourn lous research, interviews with a wide Local 3800 and the St. Paul Regional La- range of dedicated labor historians, pow- bor Federation. Golden Valley City Council At Large At Large October 6: CTUL’s 10th anniversary gala will Larry Fonnest Jim Ryan celebrate gains for low-wage workers St. Louis Park City Council MINNEAPOLIS — For the past 10 Cities Worker Solidarity Mural” will debut Ward 1 Ward 3 years, low-wage workers organizing with while CTUL’s first gallery show, “General Brian Shekleton Jim Leuthner CTUL —the Center for Workers United in Strike!” will close. Struggle— have won significant gains. The art included in “General Strike!” — Come celebrate and support the cause at which includes the justice-focused work of Anoka-Hennepin School Board CTUL’s 10th anniversary gala, planned Fri- both local and national artists —will be District 3 District 4 District 6 day, October 6. The gala will take place sold in a silent auction. Bill Harvey Anna Dirkswager Jeff Simon from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at CTUL’s center for Individual tickets for the gala are $30 in worker and community organizing, 3715 advance, $35 at the door, and include din- Chicago Ave. So. in Minneapolis. ner and a seat at a table. Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School Board In addition to a short presentation on the Five sponsorship levels, from $150 to At Large At Large past year and a preview of what’s next, the $3,000 also are available. Amanda Burnham Reineck Bob Sansevere event will feature music and dancing, food For more information, or to purchase and drinks. In addition, CTUL’s new “Twin tickets or sponsorships, visit ctul.net. School Levy Questions — VOTE YES! Anoka-Hennepin (ISD #11) Prior Lake-Savage (ISD #719) October 7: Preview new CTUL documentary film Operating Levy – Vote Yes Bonding Levy – Vote Yes SAINT PAUL — The University of ry Association. Bonding Levy – Vote Yes Operating Levy – Vote Yes Minnesota Labor Education Service has Labor Education Service director Bloomington (ISD #271) Richfield ISD (#280) begun work on a documentary to chroni- Monica Bielski Boris and telecommuni- Operating Levy – Vote Yes Operating Levy – Vote Yes cle the groundbreaking organizing activi- cations project director Howard Kling Bonding Levy – Vote Yes ties of CTUL, Centro de Trabajadores will be joined by a representative of Brooklyn Center (ISD #286) Unidos en Lucha/Center for Workers CTUL to screen video clips and discuss Operating Levy – Vote Yes St. Francis (ISD #15) United in Struggle, a Minneapolis-based how the documentary will tell workers’ Bonding Levy – Vote Yes Bonding Levy – Vote Yes worker center. stories. Learn more about this project at a Starting in 2009, CTUL members and Maple Lake (ISD #881) St. Louis Park (ISD #283) free, public discussion Saturday, October their allies have succeeded in winning Operating Levy – Vote Yes Operating Levy – Vote Yes 7, from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at the East Side union recognition across the Twin Cities’ Bonding Levy – Vote Yes Bonding Levy – Vote Yes Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St., retail cleaning industry, including stores Saint. Paul. The session is part of the owned by industry giants like Target, This list current as of September 22, 2017. For updates: minneapolisunions.org. 2017 meeting of the national Oral Histo- CTUL DOCUMENTARY page 9 www.minneapolisunions.org September 29, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 3 More Events October 7-29: History Theatre presents, ‘All the Way,’ retelling LBJ’s push for civil rights bills SAINT PAUL —Taking office as Jr. and Minnesota’s Hubert Humphrey President in 1963 after the assassination and Roy Wilkins, among others. of John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson Ticket prices are $27-$52 for adults, would push — and some say, be pushed $25-$47 for seniors, $15 for students. — to enact sweeping civil rights legisla- Group rates for 10 or more tickets also tion. That’s the dramatic story in the re- are available. gional premiere of “All the Way,” which For more information, or to purchase will run October 7-29 at History Theatre, tickets, visit historytheatre.com or call George Ballis photo Dolores Huerta, 1969 march in Coachella, California. 310 E. 10th St., Saint Paul. 651-292-4323. Characters in the play — which won Free for ticketed guests, post-show New film recounts organizer Dolores the 2014 Tony Award for best play — in- discussions will follow Sunday matinée clude Johnson, Dr. Martin Luther King, performances. Huerta’s years building United Farm October 20: Save 40 percent on groceries Workers, continuing work for justice with food packages from Fare for All Express By Steve Share, Labor Review editor cluded organizing a grape boycott MINNEAPOLIS — A new docu- across the country and, Huerta re- MINNEAPOLIS — Working Partner- bution sites in the greater metro area. mentary film, “Dolores,” tells the too- called, “we had a strong committee ships’ next Fare for All Express pick-up Fare for All Express is a program of the little-known story of Dolores Huerta, here in Minneapolis. We had great will be Friday, October 20 at the Sprinkler Food Group and is open to everyone. who was one of the key organizers of support.” Fitters Local 417 union hall, 1404 Central Visit www.fareforall.org for other the United Farm Workers union in the The current times, Huerta said, re- Ave. N.E., Minneapolis. Pick-up hours: Fare for All Express locations and dates. 1960s along with Cesar Chavez. quire a new wave of activism.“This is 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The remaining 2017 pick-up dates at “Dolores” (USA, 2017, 98 min- what makes a difference — people Fare for All Express offers a variety of the Sprinkler Fitters hall will be Novem- utes) will run September 29 through taking direct action.” discounted grocery packages including ber 17 and December 15, with special October 5 at the Lagoon Theatre in produce-only, meat-only, and a combo holiday meal packages available. Minneapolis. package with both produce and meat items. Fare for All Express accepts cash, The film screened here in April as Prices range from $10 to $25 and offer a 40 EBT, credit cards or debit cards. The pro- part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Inter- percent savings. gram is open to all and has no income national Film Festival — and Dolores The AFL-CIO community services requirements. Huerta, now age 87, spoke to the audi- program, Working Partnerships, sponsors For more information, call 612-379- ence after the film and earlier granted one of the 30 Fare for All Express distri- 8130 ext. 112 or 763-450-3880. an interview to the Labor Review. The story of the years-long strug- gles to build the United Farm Workers October 22: Elizabeth Warren headlines U of M union remains one of the most inspir- ing wins in the history of the American event, ‘The Democratic Party at a Crossroads: labor movement. “You had the poorest people and The Wellstone Way and Economic Populism’ they were able to win against the most powerful interests,” Huerta said. MINNEAPOLIS — “The Democratic Kansas?) and Harvard professor Theda Huerta recounted a life-changing Dolores Huerta, Minneapolis, 2017. Party at a Crossroads: The Wellstone Way Skocpol will be joined October 22 by a call to dedicate her life to working for and Economic Populism” will be the wide-ranging group of political analysts social and economic justice. “I was a Her current organizing work, in- theme of a symposium open to the public and on-the-ground activists to discuss the teacher going door-to-door doing vot- cluding labor issues, is through the at the University of Minnesota Sunday, sources of the Democratic Party’s defeats er registration. I decided to quit teach- Dolores Huerta Foundation. October 22. and future directions. ing and become an organizer.” “We organize through house meet- U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren will be The event marks the 15th anniversary She became involved in communi- ings,” she related. People invite a featured speaker. of Paul Wellstone’s death and it will focus ty organizing in the Latino community friends and family to discuss “why we The event will run from 12:30-5:00 on “the Wellstone Way,” economic popu- in California and then began working need to organize and change things.” p.m. at the Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 lism, and grassroots organizing as a strate- with Cesar Chavez in farmworker or- “In the process, we’ve developed a 4th Street So., Minneapolis. gy for rebuilding the Democratic Party. ganizing. lot of local leadership,” she said. This October brings the 15th anniver- The event sponsor is the U of M’s Cen- At the time, Huerta endured harsh Despite Trump’s 2016 win, Huerta sary of the death of U.S. Senator Paul ter for the Study of Politics and Gover- criticism for focusing on her work as a expressed optimism. “We’ve lived Wellstone, who showed how grassroots nance at the Humphrey School of Public labor organizer and for spending time through this already… We were up organizing and a focus on bread and butter Affairs. away from her children. against Nixon… We were up against issues could win elections. Advance registration is recommended. But, Chavez said in the film, “Do- Reagan…” And the progressive move- Today, however, the Democratic Party The registration fee is $10 for the gen- lores being out there made it possible ments begun in the 1960s and 1970s, is at a crossroads as Republicans control eral public and $5 for students. for women to be out there” — and she said, “came out stronger.” the White House, both houses of Congress For more information, contact U of M women became very active in the “Organizing at the ground level is and two thirds of governorships and state Tickets and Events at 612-624-2345 or UFW. so important,” she said. “I think we are legislatures. visit https://tickets.umn.edu. The UFW’s organizing efforts in- going to make a difference.” Senator Elizabeth Warren, writer Tickets may be purchased online. Thomas Frank (What’s the Matter with Page 4 • Minneapolis Labor Review • September 29, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Petition: 300,000 signatures to put repeal of Missouri ‘Right to Work’ bill on 2018 ballot continued from page 1 making history today,” Pat White, presi- dent of the Greater St. Louis Labor that every single congressional district Council told the standing-room-only has qualified to be part of putting some- crowd at IBEW Local 1. “Whether you thing on the ballot,” Louis said. “Eight of turned in a sheet with two signatures or eight! There’s nothing like it!” 2,000 signatures, you made history.” But Louis and other union leaders “We’re fighting against people that warned the fight to repeal the anti-worker hate us even more than they did back in law is only beginning. Dark money from 1978 — and with less people,” White undisclosed donors is pouring into the said. “And you should be proud of that. state to thwart the repeal effort. No one has done what we’ve done be- Missouri governor Greitens’ own po- fore. No one has registered as many peo- litical committee, A New Missouri Inc., ple as we did. No one has registered as already has donated $350,000 to the an- many people in every corner of the state.” ti-worker cause. “Every person in here belongs to a The AFL-CIO’s Louis, wearing a different organization that worked to- classic “Right to Work is a Rip-Off!” cap gether on this,” White said. “We had from a successful 1978 fight to defeat a UFCW people working next to Electri- “Right to Work” ballot measure in the cians in Springfield. We had Bricklayers Show Me State, spelled out the new law’s going into Phelps and up to Dixon Coun- true impact on union and non-union ty. We had Teachers running our stuff up workers, while expressing confidence the from Columbia. We had Pipefitters… anti-union, anti-worker law will be de- Every organization in our area kicked feated for all workers in Missouri. in.” The 1978 Missouri referendum saw “We’ve seen more togetherness in this “Right to Work” defeated by more than campaign than I’ve seen in the 20, 30 300,000 votes and a 60-40 percent mar- years that I’ve been doing this,” White gin. Pro-worker Democrats also won a said. “And I can tell you that that’s the raft of state offices that year. only way that we win. When you see “We’re going to end this attack,” Lou- SEIU members next to Pipefitters, when is said. “It’s not just on us, brothers and you see Teachers next to Electricians and sisters. It’s on every working family in Teamsters next to UFCW members, this state. When our wages go down and that’s the only way that we get this done.” our pensions go down and our health and “We can do this,” White said, “but welfare goes down and we start getting you’ve got to keep it on the front burner. screwed daily on the job, what do you Talk to people that you normally wouldn’t think happens to people that don’t have a talk with about ‘Right to Work’ when union contract? It’s worse for them — you’re out at your kids’ ballgames, when worse.” you’re at your meetings for your church, “So we’re not here just for ourselves,” when you’re at your social clubs.” Louis said. “We’re here for every worker White said: “The only way we beat this in this state, and we’re taking it back. back a year from now is if we make friends We’re taking this state back because it with people we maybe haven’t talked with belongs to the working people of this before and build coalitions with folks that state, not Eric Greitens!” maybe we’re a little uncomfortable talking “Each and every one of you in here is to. That’s how we win.” Report: Union workers of color earn 14% more Need help with grocery bills? continued from page 1 ers ages 45-54 had the highest rate of Fare for All Express offers fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats and union membership — 17.3 percent— staple items. Fare for All Express packages cost $10-$30. The program increase in union membership over the while the union membership rate for past few years. In 2012, there were workers ages 16-24 was only 5.1 percent. is open to everyone and has NO income requirements. 351,000 union members in Minnesota. According to the report, “the data The type of job a person holds has the strongly indicate that unionization bene- Next delivery: greatest impact on the likelihood of be- fits low-income and middle-class work- ing a union member. ers most, helping to foster a strong mid- Friday, October 20, 2017 Minnesota’s public sector workers dle class and reduce income inequality.” have a higher rate of unionization (46 Labor unions continue to face chal- 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. percent) than private sector workers (8.3 lenges — both economically and politi- percent). cally — to their growth, the authors not- Minnesotans working in construction, ed. “However, organized labor still plays Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 Union Hall education, health services and transpor- a vital role in Minnesota’s economy and tation are also more likely to have union communities.” 1404 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis representation. A link to the “State of the Unions 2017” report, For more information, see story page 4 or contact available for download on the Labor Education Service Age also plays a factor in the rate of Working Partnerships: 612-379-8130 ext. 112 union membership. In Minnesota, work- website, is available at minneapolisunions.org. www.minneapolisunions.org September 29, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 5 Early voting now Minneapolis City Council underway in Steve Fletcher: ‘We’ve got to be focused on racial equity’ MINNEAPOLIS — “I’ve always had Fletcher was a members at the University of Minnesota. a deep sense of social justice,” says Steve graduate teaching In running for city council, “the biggest Minneapolis Fletcher. assistant and thing we’re talking about is affordable Fletcher is running for the open Ward member of UAW housing,” Fletcher says. “If you live in the 3 seat representing downtown and north- 2110 when the lo- city, you ought to be able to live there.” Vote Early east Minneapolis on the Minneapolis city cal went on strike. Transportation is another chief con- council. When workers go cern. Fletcher wants to see the city work (Absentee voting) Fletcher is endorsed by the Minneap- on strike, he says, with the Metropolitan Council to create olis Regional Labor Federation, “I understand in transportation options and a more mod- Don’t want to wait in line on AFL-CIO and the DFL Party. my guts what that ern bus grid, one that connects neighbor- The one-term incumbent, Jacob Frey, Steve Fletcher risk is.” hoods, rather than running most routes Election Day? Vote early! All is not running for re-election and is run- Also in New into downtown. voters in Minnesota can choose ning for mayor. Ward 3 York, Fletcher Above all, Fletcher says, “we’ve got to to vote before Election Day by Fletcher was born in Iowa, spent part taught labor stud- be focused on equity in every decision we of his childhood in Colorado Springs, ies and labor politics for three years to make… There’s nobody in the city who can absentee ballot without provid- and then moved with his family to the IBEW members in a special program at pretend we can achieve prosperity” — and ing a reason. Twin Cities, where he graduated from St. Empire State College/SUNY, where he tackle public safety, housing and jobs — Louis Park High School. was an AFT member. “unless we can address racial equity.” You can vote by mail, or you can His parents —Roger Fletcher and Back in Minnesota, Fletcher worked for To Labor Review readers, Fletcher vote early in-person, starting 46 Judy Rotenberg — were music teachers ACORN and later became the first director says, “I’m someone who was raised days before each election. For and both were members of two unions: of Neighborhoods Organizing for Change. union and has actively put my job on the the American Federation of Musicians At NOC, he helped lead efforts to defeat line and went on strike… I will be some- the November 7, 2017 munici- and their local teachers union. the voter ID amendment and marriage one who knows the power of collective pal election, early voting began Fletcher has been a member of three amendment in the 2012 elections. bargaining.” unions and has worked in a variety of Later, as executive director of pro- “I think it’s centrally important that Friday, September 22, by mail fields, he relates, but always was in- gressive think-tank Minnesota 2020, the city be a good city for working people and in-person. volved in community organizing as a Fletcher helped support the campaign to and I’m looking forward to working with volunteer. “That I got from my parents.” raise the state’s minimum wage. unions to empower more workers,” Fletcher graduated from the Universi- More recently, Fletcher worked for Fletcher says. Vote Early In-Person ty of Minnesota and earned a masters de- SEIU Local 284 and directed the union Contact: gree at New York University. At NYU, organizing campaign among faculty stevefletcher.org In-person early voting will be of- fered for the November 7, 2017 Andrea Jenkins: ‘Our message needs to be about everybody’ Minneapolis municipal election MINNEAPOLIS — “Racial and eco- on Facebook had “Affordable housing is an equity issue. nomic justice are the cornerstones of my been organized. Employment is an equity issue. Climate and began September 22, 2017. life’s work,” says Andrea Jenkins. “They Jenkins was change has an equity component — it’s are the foundation of my campaign plat- born in Chicago called environmental justice… These are The Early Vote Center is located form and will be my priorities as a Minne- and moved to the all equity issues.” Jenkins says. apolis city council member.” Twin Cities to at- In addition to Jenkins’ work in commu- at 217 S. Third St., at the corner Jenkins is running for the open Ward 8 tend the University nity development, she also is an acclaimed of Third Ave. S. and Third St. seat representing south Minneapolis on the of Minnesota. writer, poet and performer who is a noted Minneapolis city council. She worked for transgender artist and activist and a nation- S., one block from City Hall. Jenkins is running with the endorse- Hennepin County ally-renowned keynote speaker. Standard voting hours will be ment of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Andrea Jenkins for 10 years as a Jenkins currently works for the Univer- Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. Federation, AFL-CIO. She also is DFL- vocational coun- sity of Minnesota Libraries directing the endorsed. Ward 8 selor in the em- Transgender Oral History Project. until 4:30 p.m., with extended The incumbent, Elizabeth Glidden, is ployment and Working now at the U of M, Jenkins is a hours including weekends in the not running for re-election and has en- training department. “I saw the revolving member of SEIU Local 284. She was a dorsed Jenkins. door of the same people, the same issues, member of AFSCME Local 34 during her final days before Election Day. Jenkins knows well the issues and systemic issues, growing up in poverty,” years working for Hennepin County. And workings of the Ward 8 city council office: she relates. “I thought, I’ve got to make she is a former president of the local branch For more information about reg- She worked as the council aide first for changes to the system.” of the National Writers Union. Ward 8 council member Robert Lilligren Echoing Paul Wellstone, she says, “I support union labor. I support union istering to vote or early voting, from 2001-2003 and then for Glidden from “what politics is really about is helping rights,” Jenkins says. “Part of the challenge Minneapolis voters may call 311 2006-2015. people have better lives.” with this global economy… we need to lift As Ward 8 council aide, Jenkins was in- For Jenkins, Minneapolis needs to en- up the rights of workers all over the world.” or visit vote.minneapolismn.gov. strumental in helping to shape and shep- gage full-on in addressing racial equity. “Unions need to be real clear about who herd two major projects in Ward 8: the “Minneapolis is the best place in the their constituency is,” she adds. “They —Adapted from vote.minneapolismn.gov Midtown Exchange and Global Market on country for a white person to live in at any can’t continue to be exclusionary… Our fu- E. Lake Street and the Seward Co-op’s age,” she says. “Why is it the worst city for ture workforce is going to be people of col- Friendship Store on E. 38th Street. black people to live in?” And she adds, or… Our message always needs to be about Candidate profiles by Steve Share, When Glidden announced on a Friday that’s not hyperbole. Minneapolis is indeed everybody.” Minneapolis Labor Review editor that she would not seek re-election, by worst — “factually, numerically the worst” Contact: Monday a “Run, Andrea, Run” campaign by many measures: andreajenkinsforward8.org Page 6 • Minneapolis Labor Review • September 29, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Minneapolis Park Board Work with a local leader for your Jono Cowgill: ‘Focus on working families’ TRUST MINNEAPOLIS — “Pub- degree in urban planning SERVICES! lic space — and our parks es- from the U of M’s Humphrey Leaving money to your heirs? Want to avoid conflict? Join the hundreds of other families pecially — are the last bastion School of Public Affairs. who have named Union Bank & Trust as trustee to help manage the assets you plan to of true civic space where ev- Cowgill works as an urban leave to your family. See Leonetta or Joseph today! erybody has access and people planner for Community De- of different backgrounds can sign Group and would bring come together,” says Jono his professional experience to Cowgill. the park board. 312 Central Avenue SE • Minneapolis Cowgill is running for the He’d like to engage local 612-436-1424 www.ubtmn.com/trust-services District 4 seat on the Minne- communities in park budget- apolis Park Board and is en- Jono Cowgill ing, create park by park bud- COMMUNITY BANKING IN THE HEART OF THE TWIN CITIES dorsed by the Minneapolis gets, and empower park di- Regional Labor Federation, District 4 rectors and staff to respond to AFL-CIO and the DFL Party. community needs and desires. District 4 includes parts of downtown And, he emphasizes, park board deci- Minneapolis Labor Review and several neighborhoods including El- sions should be guided by advancing ra- liot Park, Whittier, Wedge, Stevens cial equity. Square, Kenwood, Bryn Mawr, Cedar- For a decade or more, Cowgill notes, General Election Issue Isles-Dean, and East Calhoun. the park system’s workforce has seen The District 4 incumbent, Anita Tabb, “cuts in capacity and having to do more Learn about AFL-CIO endorsed candidates, the issues at stake in 2017, and is not running for re-election. and more work with less and less time,” what you can do to get involved to help Get-Out -The-Vote and make a difference! Cowgill grew up in the Minneapolis while management jobs have increased. parks and schools. “I was in Rec Plus as “We need to focus on working fami- a kid. I played park basketball,” he says. lies and the workers who are there every Coming October 27 He adds: “I grew up in a union house- day in our parks,” Cowgill says. hold.” His mother, a MAPE member, has “We also need to ensure that jobs are Advertising Deadline: October 11 worked for the Minnesota Department of being provided to union labor and work- For more information or to advertise, Education for 30 years. ing families — that is the strength of our contact the editor at 612-379-4725 or [email protected] Cowgill graduated from South High city,” he adds. in 2006, went on to attend Pacifi c Luther- Contact: an University, and later earned a masters jono4parks.org Brad Bourn: ‘Board must take reins on policy’

MINNEAPOLIS — “We’re lems in park system gover- in a world of public-private nance. He notes that, unlike city partnerships; I want to make council members, the part-time sure the park board doesn’t ne- park board commissioners have gotiate from a position of weak- no staff and, consequently, the ness,” says Brad Bourn. superintendent of parks runs A two-term incumbent, the system. “The superinten- Bourn is seeking re-election to dent should manage the park the District 6 seat on the Minne- system but not set policy,” he apolis Park Board. maintains. Too often, he says, He is endorsed by the Min- Brad Bourn “we end up being a rubber neapolis Regional Labor Feder- stamp.” ation, AFL-CIO and DFL Party. District 6 “The board really needs to District 6 lies in southwest take the reins on policy,” Bourn Minneapolis, south of Lake Street and west says. “We just haven’t been doing that.” of 35-W. Bourn sided with labor in opposing a Bourn grew up in south and northeast 2016 vote by the park board to put the non- Are you on facebook? Minneapolis and earned a masters degree profi t Loppet Foundation in charge of ski in public and nonprofi t administration from and bike trails at Wirth Park. “We had the ‘Like’ the Metropolitan State University. biggest outsourcing of jobs in the history of While working for the Phyliss Wheatley the park system — the board wasn’t even a Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation… Community Center, he became involved in speed bump,” he says. “That’s wrong.” park issues in an effort to keep Bethune rec If re-elected, Bourn says, his focus will • News Updates • Action Alerts • center open. Bethune served a large num- be creating “pathways to employment at ber of kids under age 16. the park board.” He credits City Employees “You need a building that’s open and Local 363 for developing such a program. • Links • Photos of Union Events • you need a caring adult in that building,” he Moving forward, the park system’s says. And that concern should be a continu- workforce needs to better refl ect the city’s ing park system priority, he emphasizes. diverse racial composition, Bourn says. www.facebook.com/minneapolisunions Although he’s an incumbent, proud of Contact: his record, Bourn also sees structural prob- bradbournforparks.com www.minneapolisunions.org September 29, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 7 Trades warn Southdale shoppers about construction safety, asbestos removal EDINA – Beginning September 18, shoppers entering Southdale shopping center’s parking lot encountered union workers in haz-mat suits and banners reading “Shop at Your Own Risk” and “Watch Out for Asbestos Removal.” A coalition of labor groups led by La- borers Local 563 and supported by other unions from the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council staged the action to educate the public about the hazards that shoppers can face during mall renovations if contractors potential- ly fail to follow proper safety procedures. The unions said that they are particu- larly concerned by mall owner Simon Building trades unions protested at Southdale shopping center September 19 to warn about possible risks from asbestos removal. Properties’ selection of an out-of-state contractor whose sister company has LIUNA Minnesota, which represents website, ShopAtYourOwnRisk.com, for unions’ “Shop at Your Own Risk” cam- been cited for mishandling asbestos. skilled asbestos remediation workers. more information. paign, which was launched in 2014 when The work in question is underway at “This is a company that’s never com- “Our goal is just to inform the public union representatives uncovered a series Southdale to remediate an old J.C. Pen- pleted an asbestos remediation job in what is going on inside,” said Seth Tay- of safety lapses during the renovation of ney location that will soon host the Twin Minnesota,” Pranis said, “and sister com- lor, Laborers Local 563 business agent, Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka. Cities’ most luxurious Life Time Fitness pany National Salvage was cited by the who was coordinating picketing by union Pranis said he finds it ironic that Si- branch. Ohio EPA for improperly discharging as- members from the Laborers and other mon Properties hired a contractor like Workers employed by National Envi- bestos emissions on an abatement project trades. “The property owner was contact- National Environmental Services Corpo- ronmental Services Corporation, based in Kenton. If something like that hap- ed numerous times about what’s going ration for a location that will ultimately in Bloomington, Indiana, are onsite un- pened at Southdale, it could endanger on inside with minimal response, so we house a Life Time Fitness. der an asbestos removal permit that ex- mall employees and shoppers as well as decided to take action.” “If I were trying to build the Twin Cit- tends into the Christmas shopping sea- construction workers.” Cars honked their horns at the sight of ies’ premier fitness location, I wouldn’t son. The public information banners which the workers in haz-mat suits and the ban- want Simon Properties to take any chanc- “We investigated National Environ- began September 18 feature Laborers in ners. “We’re getting some support, peo- es when it comes to asbestos,” said mental Services Corporation and we asbestos removal equipment complete ple stopping and asking questions,” Tay- Pranis. “You don’t want your customers didn’t like what we found,” reported with protective suits and respirators. lor said. to wonder what they might be breath- Kevin Pranis, marketing manager for The banners direct the public to a The action represents a revival of the ing.”

MRLF’s Game Fair booth collects 730 surveys, Roofers’ annual Sporting Clays Shoot helps part of union member, community outreach benefit Union Sportsmen’s Alliance programs RAMSEY — Over two three-day weekends in August, the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation hosted a booth CLEAR LAKE — The seventh annual Roofers Sporting Clays Shoot attracted 202 shooters to Wild Marsh at Game Fair, the region’s long-running outdoor hunting and fishing expo. “It’s a good opportunity for us to be Sporting Clays September 16 for a day to practice skills, win prizes and raise funds for conservation out in the community so people can see who we are,” said Mike Nelson, an AFSCME retiree who helped to coor- programs. Roofers Local 96 hosted the event in conjunction with the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. Partici- dinate the MRLF’s Game Fair volunteers. This year, the MRLF’s Game Fair outreach aimed to engage not just pants included 28 members of Roofers Local 96 as well as union members from five different Roofers union members but community members as well. A new partnership with the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance helped locals, including some from as far away as Kansas City. Members of 11 other unions also took part. The to offer a better and broader array of give-aways and raffle prizes. Also new this year: Volunteers at the booth following day, September 17, 28 youth participated with Union Sportsmen’s Alliance in the sixth annual asked visitors to complete an issues survey in order to enter prize drawings. The effort yielded 730 completed Get Youth Outdoors Day. Led by union volunteers, the kids received safety briefings and firearm han- surveys, which will provide valuable information. Photo above, left to right: MRLF Game Fair volunteers includ- dling instructions as well as closely-supervised, hands-on introductions to trap shooting (custom .28 ed Jim Thomas, IBEW Local 292 retiree; Jarrod Asleson, president, Cement Masons Local 633; Tom Reger, ap- gauge), rifle shooting (.22 caliber) and archery target shooting. For more information, contact Union prenticeship coordinator, Cement Masons Local 633; Grace Baltich, AFSCME Local 34 vice president and MRLF Sportsmen’s Alliance at unionsportsmen.org. Photo above: Trap shooting at Wild Marsh Sporting Clays. executive board member; Dick Kentzelman, Bricklayers Local 1 retiree; Ray Zeran, political coordinator, IBEW Local 292; Mike Nelson, AFSCME retiree and MRLF Game Fair coordinator. Page 8 • Minneapolis Labor Review • September 29, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Local Union News Attention all AFSCME members: Erickson as Local 34’s new vice presi- AFSCME Local 2822: AFSCME Local 3800: Beware e-mail and phone scams dent. Union seeks data on U of M workers call for investment targeting AFSCME members Erickson, Minneapolis, has worked involuntary terminations in people, not just buildings From AFSCME international: for Hennepin County since 2015. He is a AFSCME Local 2822 is asking Hen- The University of Minnesota launched We have been made aware that a so- veterans services representative for Hen- nepin County to provide data about in- a $4 billion capital campaign with a phisticated phishing and phone scam ap- nepin County’s veterans services office. voluntary terminations. marching band and balloons September pears to be targeting AFSCME member- Erickson served in the U.S. Army “In our grievance hearings. we expe- 15, prompting a protest from AFSCME ship. The email, supposedly from Lee from 2007-2010 and was deployed to rience that long-term women workers, Local 3800 and University Unions Unit- Saunders (AFSCME international presi- Iraq. long-term women workers of color, and ed. dent) is coming from the scam e-mail ad- In addition to serving as Local 34 vice workers of color reach out to our union The group, which includes AFSCME, dress [email protected] and urges president, Erickson also will be taking for assistance in discipline and termina- Teamsters and students, hopes to pres- members to fill out a form to avoid fur- over as the Local 34 web developer. A new tion grievance hearings at extremely high sure University administrators to give lough days. The reported phone calls say design and layout for the site is under pro- rates,” said Sam Gutierrez, Local 2822’s front-line workers decent raises in ongo- that members owe money to AFSCME. duction. co-chief steward. ing contract negotiations. Obviously, none of this is true. The special election August 16 filled a “This evidence is anecdotal and the The university’s current proposal of- These scams are not affiliated with vacancy created by the resignation of Lo- employer will be quick to point this out,” fers a one percent raise for the first year AFSCME and the union has no control cal 34 vice president Kathy Kelly. In ad- he noted, but the union wants the data. of a two-year agreement and zero percent over them. dition to Erickson, Linda Flykt, Tamika “We are demanding a review of the for the second year. Please do the following: Hannah and Kay Powell submitted their terminations of workers of color, older AFSCME Local 3800’s Caitlin Boley n Members should not click on the names as candidates in the special elec- workers, and female workers for the past questioned why the University is putting “stop receiving e-mail” link at the bot- tion. year and previous years,” Gutierrez said. money into buildings instead of people. tom of the e-mail. AFSCME Local 2822: “Our Union Defense Committee has She told the crowd of more than 80 sup- n Members should not respond, open October meeting moved to October 11 been meeting for the past few months to porters September 15 that the Universi- any attachments or click any links. Because of conflicts with AFSCME devise a strategy to fight against discrim- ty’s new capital campaign is accurately n Members should delete the e-mail Council 5’s statewide convention in Du- ination and the targeting of our workers. named “Driven.” and alert their IT department. luth, the AFSCME Local 2822 executive In August, we began distributing posters “You know what they’re driving us We are actively tracking down who is board has moved the October member- and flyers asking folks to tell us about to? They’re driving us, their frontline behind these e-mails. If you have any ship meeting to the second Wednesday in their experiences in the workplace.” workers, to poverty,” she said. “They’re questions, please contact AFSCME IT October, October 11. This meeting will The committee also is asking mem- driving home the tale of two universities. hotline at 202-429-1122. be at 6:30 p.m. in the Robins, Kaplan, bers to complete a survey about their ex- There’s one for the halves, the rich ad- AFSCME Local 34: Miller and Ciresi Community Meeting periences. ministrators, and there’s one for the rest E-board elects Alan Erickson Room on the second floor of Minneapo- For more information, to get a copy of of us who are trying to do a good job to be new vice president lis Central Library. The November meet- the survey, or to get involved in this is- making this place a world-class institu- The AFSCME Local 34 executive ing will return to the first Wednesday of sue, e-mail afscme2822unity@gmail. tion.” board voted August 16 to choose Alex the month in the Doty Board Room. com. LOCAL UNION NEWS page 10 Retiree Meetings CTUL documentary Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council: CWA Local 7200 Retirees: Pipefitters Local 539 Retirees: continued from page 3 Next meeting October 19 Healthcare update planned October 17 ‘Fazed Out Fitters’ meet third Wednesday The Minneapolis Regional Retiree Coun- The Retired Members Club of Communi- Pipefitters Local 539 retirees — the “Fazed Macy’s, Best Buy, and Home De- cil, AFL-CIO will meet Thursday, October 19 cations Workers of America Local 7200 will Out Fitters” — meet the third Wednesday of each pot. Through the efforts of CTUL from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the United meet Tuesday, October 17 at the CWA union month at 11:00 a.m. at Elsie’s, 729 Marshall St. members, the Twin Cities became Labor Centre, 312 Central Ave., Minneapolis, hall, 3521 E Lake St, Minneapolis. Social NE, Minneapolis. New members welcome. Room 218. Lunch will be served. hour with coffee and rolls begins at 11:00 Plumbers Local 15 Retirees: the first major metropolitan area We will validate parking at the St. Antho- a.m. The business meeting begins at 12 noon. Meet the third Tuesday of each month where nearly the entire retail janito- ny Public Parking Ramp (at the corner of 2nd The agenda includes a healthcare update for All retired Plumbers Local 15 members rial industry is union. St. SE and University Ave. SE), across Uni- CenturyLink retirees. Retirees, bring a former are invited to attend retiree meetings, continu- CTUL’s struggle involved nu- versity from the United Labor Centre build- union member retiree to the meeting and re- ing the third Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. merous events, including a 12-day ing. Just park and when you come to the ceive a prize if they sign-up to join, Lifetime at Elsie’s Restaurant, Bar & Bowling Center, hunger strike, Black Friday pro- meeting we will give you a parking voucher. and Chapter. For more information, call the 729 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis (corner of tests, citywide days of action, mul- For more information about the Council, CWA Local 7200 hall at 612-722-7200. Marshall and 8th Ave.). For more information, tiple one-day strikes, a wage theft contact Graeme Allen, community and politi- IBEW Local 292 Retirees: contact the Local 15 office at 612-333-8601. campaign that recovered $4 million cal organizer for the Minneapolis Regional ‘Senior Sparkies’ meet October 10 Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Retirees: Labor Federation, at 612-321-5672 or e-mail The IBEW Local 292 Retirees — “Senior ‘Rusty Tinners’ meet October 10 in stolen wages, and a responsible [email protected]. Sparkies”— will be meeting Tuesday, October Sheet Metal Workers Local 10’s “Rusty contractor initiative eventually ATU Local 1005 Retirees: 10 at the United Labor Centre, 312 Central Ave- Tinners” retirees club will meet Tuesday, Oc- signed by Target. Meet North, South, and St. Paul nue, Minneapolis, in the Guy Alexander Confer- tober 10 at the Maplewood union hall, 1681 E. These events were covered ex- Here is the schedule for the Amalgamated ence Room (second floor). Refreshments will be Cope Ave. Potluck begins at 12 noon. The tensively by LES staff who record- Transit Union Local 1005 retiree meetings: at 12:00 noon. The meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. ed interviews and captured video of Minneapolis North: Second Tuesday of We will be having a guest speaker. If available, one of our business agents and/ many important moments. each month, 8:30 a.m., Coon Rapids VFW, Save-the-date: or someone from our benefits office will share The documentary — and a vari- n 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd. (one block south of Tuesday, October 24, Treasure Island Ca- information and answer questions. ety of academic and popular educa- Hanson Blvd.) sino Trip. U of M Facilities Management Minneapolis South: First Wednesday of n Wednesday, December 13, Retirees Club and Maintenance Retirees: tion materials that will accompany each month, 8:00 a.m., VFW Post 5555, 6715 Holiday Social/Luncheon. Meet last Tuesday of month it — will illustrate the potential for Lake Shore Drive, Richfield. For both events, additional information will Retirees from the University of Minnesota worker centers to become vehicles St. Paul: Second Wednesday of each be sent by U.S. Mail. Maintenance Department meet the last Tues- for reviving the labor movement in month, 12 noon, Mattie’s, 365 N. Concord For more information, contact the IBEW day of each month at 10:00 a.m. for breakfast the 21st century. St., South St. Paul. Local 292 office at 612-379-1292. at Elsie’s, 729 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis. www.minneapolisunions.org September 29, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 9 More Local Union News continued from page 9 revenues with taxes on tobacco and the top earners while protecting the middle “My co-workers and I, we are not in class and investments in education and the lab,” Boley said. “But if my co-work- healthcare.” ers don’t come to work, there’s nobody Murphy told the nurse selection com- buying chemicals for cancer research. mittee of her vision for growth in Minne- Don’t tell me we’re expendable.” sota, expanding access to patient care for Local 3800 president Cherrene Hora- everyone in the state, support for nurse- zuk said AFSCME, joined by other to-patient ratios, Single Payer insurance, unions and students at the U, will hold and Earned Safe and Sick Time for all administrators accountable. workers in Minnesota. “We are going to stand tall and stand NALC Branch 9: together for a standard of living and NALC responds to Hurricane Harvey make sure that this truly is a great univer- Hurricane Harvey left a huge area of sity that is driven by equity and not by destruction throughout southeastern Tex- disparity,” she says. as and southwestern Louisiana, upending More than 250 University administra- the lives of everyone there — including tors earn $250,000 a year at the same MN Orchestra performs free outdoor concert at the NALC members. time that more than 400 frontline staff Minneapolis NALC members who earn less than $15 an hour, Local 3800 new ‘Commons’ park across from US Bank Stadium want to help their union sisters and broth- reported. MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Orchestra made its debut performance at the new ‘Commons’ park ers can send slightly used or new postal As the Labor Review went to press, across from U.S. Bank Stadium September 19, a free concert which presented both classical and contem- uniforms, footwear and/or rain gear to University Unions United planned to porary works. A crowd filled the grassy lawn to enjoy the hour-long concert. The 4.2 acre Commons was the following branches that can act as picket to urge wage increases for front- developed as a multi-purpose green space in conjunction with the stadium project to host special events hubs for uniforms for the surrounding line workers at a September 23 black-tie not only on football game days, but throughout the year. Photo above: Maestro Osmo Vänskä conducts branches/letter carriers: n fundraising gala for the University’s cap- the orchestra, whose members are members of Twin Cities Musicians Union Local 30-73. Houston Branch 283, c/o Harvey ital campaign. Help, 2414 Broadway Blvd., Houston, Boilermakers Local 647: TX 77012 Union shop DCI, Inc. in St. Cloud portunity for students, parents and the About two dozen linemen from IBEW n Corpus Christi Branch 1259, c/o plans September 30 open house public to learn more about modern man- Local 949 — who work at Xcel, Alliant Harvey Help, 1220 S. Alameda, Corpus DCI, Inc. in St. Cloud, where workers ufacturing. “Our attendees have the Energy, municipal utilities and rural elec- Christi, TX 78404 are members of Boilermakers Local 647, chance to see how STEM (science, tech- tric co-ops — also have been part of the OPEIU Local 12: will host an open house September 30. nology, engineering, and math) skills are storm response, reported Local 949 busi- Members ratify 36-month The open house is part of an upcom- put into practice every day in modern ness manager Rick Oakes. HealthPartners agreement ing “Statewide Tour of Manufacturing.” manufacturing,” according to the tour Minnesota Nurses Association: Members of OPEIU Local 12 voted DCI manufactures stainless steel ves- website. Erin Murphy endorsed for governor September 14 to ratify a new 39-month sels for a variety of industries. IBEW Locals 160 and 949: The board of directors of the Minneso- contract with HealthPartners. At DCI, the open house will run from Minnesota IBEW members assist with ta Nurses Association voted September 20 Union negotiators reached a tentative 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 600 54th Ave. restoring power in hurricane areas to endorse State Representative Erin Mur- agreement with the employer after 13 N. in St. Cloud. Free tours of the facility A convoy of 25 trucks from more than phy (DFL-St. Paul) for Governor of Min- 8-hour bargaining days and a final 22- will begin every half-hour and prize 15 Minnesota utility companies left nesota. The MNA board followed the hour negotiation session which ran over- giveways will be featured. Closed-toe Rochester September 9 for Hurricane recommendation of a nurse members’ night and concluded September 1. shoes will be required. Irma recovery efforts. Escorted by Roch- screening committee that screened eight The union negotiating committee DCI employs 125 workers and has ester Police and Olmsted County Sheriff candidates from the DFL, GOP, and Inde- recommend a “yes” vote and Local 12 had a collective bargaining agreement Departments, a video of the convoy roll- pendence parties September 9. reported that 95 percent of members vot- with Boilermakers Local 647 since 1973. ing down Highway 52 was impressive. “Nurses decided to endorse Erin Mur- ing on the agreement voted yes. For more information about the state- Xcel Energy sent 142 linemen — phy not just because she’s a fellow regis- The contract includes across-the- wide tour, visit tourofmanufacturingmn. members of IBEW Local 160 —as part tered nurse,” said Mary C. Turner, presi- board wage increases of 2.0 percent in com. of the storm response effort, the union dent of MNA. “Nurses decided to the first year, 2.0 percent in the second The statewide event is billed as an op- reported. endorse Erin because she’s been pivotal year, and 2.5 percent in the third year. in expanding access to healthcare for While the new contract includes in- thousands of Minnesotans.” creases in employee-paid health costs, Pipefitters Local 539 Nurses cited Murphy’s leadership “HealthPartners has very generous health- during her term as Minnesota House ma- care for its employees, full-time and part- PIPERS Union Dues jority leader in protecting and expanding time” and the agreement is “still one of the MinnesotaCare, her dedication to elimi- best deals in the cities,” said Ryan Don’t forget to pay your Union Dues! Golf tournament winners nate disparities that unfairly impact peo- Mortensen, Local 12 business manager. Congratulations to Joe Klepaida and Dustin Website: www.pipefitters539.com ple of color, and her efforts to rectify the If employees complete an annual short staffing issues that continue in hos- health assessment, they pay zero co-pays Navaratil for winning the annual Pipefitters Pipefitters Local 539 has a website address pitals across the state. Murphy intro- for office visits or urgent care visits. Golf Tournament on September 10 and for members to look at information and duced an amendment during this year’s The contract covers about 1,200 thank you to all that participated! upcoming events: www.pipefitters539.com. budget debate for the departments of workers who work as clerical and admin- health and human services that would’ve istrative staff for HealthPartners. Condolences If you would like something added to the Pipers section of the protected nurses who were too overload- Sources: Labor Review reporting and Condolences to the family of Garry Larson. Labor Review, call the office at (612) 379-4711. ed to take on another patient assignment. local unions. To submit a story idea or “Erin has also proven that she will do news item, contact the editor at 612-379- what’s right for all Minnesotans,” Turner 4725 or e-mail laborreview@minneapolis- Paid for by Pipefitters Local 539 • www.pipefitters539.com said. “She helped turn around our state’s unions.org. Next deadline: October 11.

Page 10 • Minneapolis Labor Review • September 29, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org $5.00 FOR 25 WORDS An exclusive service for subscribing Union members only. Next deadline for Sell, Buy, Rent Ads: October 13. Copy Address Change? must be mailed or delivered. NO TELE- PHONE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Ads must be accompanied by payment in Subscription Instructions? SELL, BUY, RENTDEPARTMENT check or money order. Each ad must in- clude your union affiliation and your Please let us know if your address will be telephone number, along with your mail- ing label. Over 25 words — 15¢ each extra changing, if your household is receiving more word. Your ad runs in one issue only. than one Labor Review, or if you would like to This reader service is provided for Labor Review subscribing Union members who are in good standing cancel your subscription. with their locals. No commercial ads of business firms or any sidelines or hobbies of union members who are selling products or services can be advertised in these columns. For display advertising, please contact Cut out or photo-copy your mailing label from the Labor Review. Mail or deliver your ad and payment to: Sell, Buy, Rent Department, Minneapolis Labor the front page of the newspaper and mail it to us Review, 312 Central Ave., Suite 542 (Fifth Floor), Minneapolis, MN 55414. NEXT DEADLINE: OCTOBER 13. with your instructions: Attn: mailing list Wanted: Buying advertis- Minneapolis Labor Review If you didn’t use it ing-related items, one piece Don’t forget to cut out NOTICE 312 Central Ave. Suite 542 this past summer… to entire collections, inter- your mailing label and NEXT EDITION OF ests include beer, soda, li- Minneapolis, MN 55414 Sell what you send it in with your LABOR REVIEW: quor, tobacco, gas and oil Sell, Buy, Rent ad! OCTOBER 27 don’t need with a and almost anything related No phone calls, please, to report address changes, Next Ad Deadline is October 13 Sell, Buy, Rent ad to advertising, older the bet- stop duplicates, or cancel your subscription. Thanks! ter. Please call Garry at 763- For Sale: 14.1 acres, all wood- For Sale: Misc. painting and 546-8010 or text me pictures Coming ed prime hunting, 5 mi. west wallpapering assorted sup- at 763-202-9067. of Moose Lake, off tar road, plies, including paint spray- Sell, Buy, Rent driveway is in, Kettle River er. 763-559-4276. Deadlines runs along ENTIRE property, Snow and ice for 2017 $99,700. 952-445-7074. Wanted: Old coins, collections, bullion, paper money, gold are coming… For Sale: Lakewood Cem- coins, proof sets, mint sets, Clean out October 13 etery, Garden of Devotion, etc. Anything from pennies to your garage Section 312, tier 5, crypts paper. Best of all, I’ll pay cash November 3 D-E, value $12,800, asking and come to you. Please call for winter! $9.800. No permanent care Dick at 612-986-2566. December 8 fee. Brian, 651-636-4334. Make room for your car! Wanted: Guitars and amplifi- NO TELEPHONE ORDERS ers made in the USA pre-1980. Sell what you don’t need (Sell, Buy Rent deadline Also interested in drums and with an ad in the comes two days after main Advertise in the Business Directory and reach FOR SELL, BUY, RENT Labor Review deadline) some other instruments. Bob, Sell, Buy, Rent DEPARTMENT ADS more than 55,000 union households monthly! 612-521-4596. Department… WILL BE ACCEPTED. Call 612-379-4725 Minneapolis Labor Review 2017 Publication Schedule

October 27 November 17 December 22 Deadline: October 11 Deadline: November 1 Deadline: December 6 General Election Issue Holiday Shopping Guide Holiday Issue

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IBEW Local Union 292 Minneapolis Labor Review Minneapolis Electrical Workers Changes in the hall man with Local 292. We also will be welcoming General Election Issue Local 292 will be saying goodbye to some familiar Derrick Givens as the new Limited Energy Rep. Stop faces and hello to new individuals and fresh ideas. First into the hall and say hello to our new team members. Learn about AFL-CIO endorsed candidates, the issues at stake in 2017, and off, we would like to thank Ted Swenson for a 36-year what you can do to get involved to help Get-Out -The-Vote and make a difference! career in the field and another 3 years working as a Condolences business rep in the local office. Also leaving us after Brother Robert Reiter; Brother Calvin McKay; Brother 5 years of service is Jeana Kunkel, who is known as Lewis Rausch. Coming October 27 the friendly face in the hiring hall. We wish nothing Advertising Deadline: October 11 but luck to both of these individuals in their future See you at the General Membership Meeting, endeavors. For more information or to advertise, Replacing Ted will be Dave Frary, a 17-year journey- 7:00 p.m. on the Second Tuesday Paid for by IBEW Local 292 • www.ibew292.org contact the editor at 612-379-4725 or [email protected] www.minneapolisunions.org September 29, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 11 Sheet Metal Workers celebrate at 50th annual booyah and picnic By Steve Share, Labor Review editor Photo left: Steven Heckmann, grand- SAINT PAUL — The afternoon was son of retired Sheet Metal Workers supposed to be winding down but the Local 10 member Roger Heckmann, crowd for Sheet Metal Workers Local stirs a giant kettle of booya — a tradi- 10’s 50th annual booyah and picnic tional stew that cooks overnight and showed no signs of thinning. requires tending. The Saturday, September 9 event at Highland Park attracted “well over 1,500-2,000” Local 10 members and Photo below: Steven Heckmann (left) family members, said Mike McCauley, grandson of retired Sheet Metal Oakdale, 38-year member of Local 10 Workers Local 10 member Roger and the union’s financial secretary. “It’s a Heckmann (right). “I’ve been stirring good event for our members; it’s a fami- for 12-15 years, the elder Heckmann ly-oriented, fun event.” reported. “I don’t know what all they The free event featured booyah, pic- got in there,” he confessed, “but it’s nic fare, games and face-painting for the good, really good.” (Except one year, kids, and rides on an antique fire truck. he recalled, when a double dose of Friday night, volunteers had begun salt accidentally made it into the cooking the booyah — a stew with meat booyah kettle). This year, Roger said and vegetables — and stirred and tended he told grandson Steven, “come in at the booyah kettles all through the night. stir booyah!” “I’ve been stirring for 12-15 years,” said retired 48-year Local 10 member Roger Heckmann, West St. Paul, He was at work in the booyah shed with his grandson, Steven. “I like it here. You can see a lot of people you don’t get to see.” “I get to see retirees and people I hav- en’t worked with in a long time,” said journeyman Mark Cochrane, Roseville, 35-year Local 10 member. “This is a family atmosphere, fellow- ship with the local members,” said Ron Lee, Jr., St. Paul, a third-year apprentice who works with Cochrane. Photo left: Local 10 retirees Den- ny Frederickson, Robbinsdale, a 41-year member (left) and John Bethke, Oakdale, an almost 50- year member (right).

Photo right: A long line would bring a sweet re- ward — free ice cream.

Photo above: Andy Gauthier, Blaine, six-year member, Photo above: Face-painter Tiffany Tieche decorated many Photo above: Third-year apprentice Ron Lee, Jr., St. Paul, said, “this is our first year making it; We weren’t up north.” young smiling faces, including Alexia’s. (left) and his mother, Lois McClerin (right). Page 12 • Minneapolis Labor Review • September 29, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org