Workers in the hard-hit hospitality and events industry need our support — page 2 Minneapolis Labor Review 113th Year No. 10 March 27, 2021 www.minneapolisunions.org Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO $1.9 TRILLION Biden signs ‘American Rescue Plan’ into law WASHINGTON — President n Provides approximately Joe Biden signed the $1.9 billion $86 billion in fi nancial assistance “American Rescue Plan” into to struggling multi-employer law March 11, the date of the pension plans, which the plans 2021 Legislature one-year anniversary of the dec- will not have to repay, to cover On one-year anniversary laration of COVID-19 as a all benefi ts due through plan year worldwide pandemic. 2051, with no cuts to accrued of COVID-19 emergency, The sweeping legislation was benefi ts. essential workers call for passed by the Democratic major- n Provides $350 billion in aid ities in the U.S. House and U.S. to state and local governments. action at state legislature Senate without a single Republi- Biden commented: “this his- to support paid leave can vote in favor. toric legislation is about rebuild- —See page 5 In addition to funding public ing the backbone of this country health responses to COVID-19 and giving people in this nation and the vaccination roll-out, the — working people and mid- Labor news American Rescue Plan: dle-class folks, the people who updated daily n Provides $1,400 in direct built the country — a fi ghting www.workdayminnesota.org payments to individuals making chance. That’s what the essence Concrete pour begins for Kenilworth less than $75,000 and married of it is.” Minneapolis Regional couples making under $150,000. “This long-overdue relief will Tunnel along SW light rail route n Extends unemployment help stop the bleeding, but it’s far Labor Federation… benefi ts by 25 weeks and pro- from suffi cient,” AFL-CIO presi- MINNEAPOLIS —March 19 marked a milestone in the construction of the Southwest Follow us on facebook! vides an additional $300 weekly dent Richard Trumka commented. Light Rail Transit line, as workers began the fi rst of several concrete pours to seal the www.facebook.com/minneapolisunions benefi t. He said the bill should have includ- base of the fi rst excavated section of the Kenilworth Tunnel. The tunnel will run under n Exempts the fi rst $10,200 in ed a proposed increase in the federal Cedar Lake Parkway and the canal which connects Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles. The unemployment insurance benefi ts minimum wage to $15 per hour. He concrete base of the tunnel will be 10 feet thick. Projected for completion in 2023, the $2 received in 2020 from taxation. also called for major investments in billion Southwest Light Rail Line will run from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. An n Temporarily expands the infrastructure and for passage of the estimated 7,500 construction workers will be involved in building the line. Photo above: child tax credit to $3,000 per PRO act, legislation to strengthen A worker took depth measurements as concrete was pumped below pooling groundwater child. workers’ rights to organize unions. into the fi rst of 31 100-foot-long excavated cells of the tunnel. SEIU Healthcare’s 4,000 workers at Allina hospitals taking strike vote MINNEAPOLIS — As the workers’ paychecks. in the third year. care members to sign up for di- Labor Review went to press The union has responded In a video contract update on rect dues payments, Saro em- March 22, members of SEIU with a campaign to encourage its Facebook, Jeff Saro, SEIU phasized that union members Healthcare Minnesota who work Allina members to demonstrate Healthcare steward at Abbott need to remain in good standing at Allina hospitals were sched- their union solidarity by sign- Northwestern Hospital, said: with their dues payments in or- uled to begin voting on whether ing-up online to pay their dues “After a year of pandemic, der to be able to participate in a to authorize an unfair labor prac- directly at seiuhcmn.org/allin. they’re insisting we don’t de- contract vote or a strike vote. tice strike. The theme of the union’s serve anything. ‘No’ to protec- Allina may have stopped dues SEIU Healthcare Minnesota 2021 contract campaign is “Re- tions against workplace vio- deductions, he said, but “we represents 4,000 workers at spect Us, Protect Us, Pay Us.” lence. ‘No’ to safe staffi ng. ‘No’ cannot let Allina control our eight Allina hospitals. “All year our employers have to hero pay. ‘No’ to pension in- voices or our votes, ever.” The workers’ contract ex- been calling us heroes,” Gulley creases. ‘No’ to improvements in The eight Allina hospitals in- pired March 1. noted. “Now we’re asking them our health insurance. ‘No’ to pay clude Abbott Northwestern Hos- “We offered an extension and to show us and not just give lip increases. This is unacceptable.” pital, Buffalo Hospital, Mercy they refused,” said Jamie Gul- service.” Nick Marrone, emergency Hospital, Owatonna Hospital, ley, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota Over a proposed three-year room tech at United Hospital, Phillips Eye Institute, St. Francis president. contract, Allina has offered a said, “we have the power as Regional Medical Center, United In an attempted union-bust- wage freeze in the fi rst year, a 1 union members to make Allina Hospital and Unity Hospital. ing move, Allina has stopped the percent increase in the second do the right thing.” A mediation session was deduction of union dues from year, and a 1.5 percent increase In reminding SEIU Health- scheduled for March 25. Workers in the hard-hit hospitality and events industry need our support By Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President, with are workers of color and women. Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation The fund also is serving as a hub of COVID-19 has wreaked havoc across empowerment for these workers. When every sector of our workforce. A new fu- they have nowhere to turn, someone is ture is on the horizon with the promising there to answer the phone and help them distribution of vaccinations. get answers. Our Hospitality While we still don’t know the Fund staff troubleshoot work- long-term economic effects of place problems and help iden- this pandemic across all of tify organizing skills and our industries, we do know strategies for the long-term that the road to full recovery recovery of workers in this in- will be long. This is especial- dustry. ly true in the hospitality and For the last year, the Twin events industry. Cities Hospitality Fund has The hospitality and events received funding from local industry was effectively shut governments, non-profits and down overnight in March of 2020, when other unions to support the work. We the gravity of this pandemic was finally have hired a team of navigators and understood and the emergency stay-at- we’ve served more than 1,500 families. home orders were announced. Travel was Now, one year later, the needs remain New e-mail sending Zoom link to MRLF delegates halted, restaurants were shuttered, events high for workers in the hospitality and If you are a delegate from your union local to the Zoom link will be: [email protected]. were immediately canceled, and hotels events industry. We have hundreds of Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, keep If you are a MRLF delegate and you have not were emptied. workers still trying to access the fund your eye out for a new e-mail address which will be been receiving the e-mailed link, please send your The workers who drive this important each week and we have had to create a sending you the Zoom link for the monthly MRLF del- e-mail address to [email protected]. In- industry were left in a very uncertain sit- wait list of workers who need our support. egate meetings. The new e-mail address sending the clude your full name, union, and local number. uation. And even today, one year later, it Hospitality and events jobs touch all is not clear when these workers will be sectors of our labor movement. They gen- back at work. erate significant revenue for our public Information for candidates seeking endorsement Unionized workers in this industry sector and help drive private investment were able to win some workplace protec- in our local economy. Solidarity with im- The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation minneapolisunions.org. In addition, all requests must tions through their contracts and some pacted workers in this industry is import- screens candidates for State Legislative, County, Mu- be copied by e-mail to MRLF organizer Graeme Allen extensions of healthcare benefits. Non- ant for all of us. nicipal, School Board or other local elected offices lo- at [email protected] and MRLF orga- union workers had zero protections. With the ongoing need as we pass the cated in Hennepin, Anoka, Wright, Scott, Carver, nizer Alfreda Daniels at alfreda@minneapolisunions. And while unemployment insurance one-year mark of COVID-19, we’re ask- Meeker, and McLeod counties. The Minnesota AFL- org. was helpful for some workers in the in- ing all our sisters and brothers in the labor CIO’s endorsement process for state legislative candi- Please include the following information in your dustry, many workers were left ineligible movement to consider making an indi- dates in this region begins with the MRLF screening request: Candidate name; campaign committee name for unemployment and other forms of vidual donation or union contribution to process. and office sought; candidate e-mail address and cell state assistance. the Twin Cities Hospitality Fund. Candidates seeking endorsement in 2021 from phone (or other daytime phone number); campaign Back in March of 2020, the dire situa- Please support this important work! the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO manager name, e-mail address and cell phone (if ap- tion for the workers of this industry should e-mail a request for a screening to MRLF presi- plicable); candidate or committee U.S. mail address; quickly became clear. Website donations: dent Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou at chelsie@ campaign website (if applicable). Together with our hospitality and www.twincitieshospitalityfund.org events unions and our community part- ners, we launched the Twin Cities Hospi- Donations by check: Correction Welcome, new readers tality and Event Workers’ Relief Fund Working Partnerships Due to a typo, a notice on page 3 As a member of a union affiliated within a month of the shutdown. This Memo: Hospitality Fund of the February 27, 2021 issue of with the Minneapolis Regional La- fund provides important community nav- 312 Central Ave. SE, Suite 542 the Labor Review listed the incor- bor Federation, AFL-CIO, you now igation and referral services and offers Minneapolis, MN 55414 rect date for the Fare for All food are receiving a subscription to the small individual grants on a needs basis. sale at the Laborers Hall in north- Minneapolis Labor Review. Several This fund is available to both union Electronic transfer: east Minneapolis. The correct date, affiliates recently have updated their and non-union workers and is housed in Contact Doug Flateau March 26, was included in a news Labor Review mailing lists. For sub- our very own Working Partnerships. [email protected] story featured on the same page. scriber service, see page 11. Many of the families we are working Minneapolis Labor Review Minneapolis Labor Review (USPS 351120) (ISSN 02749017) Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO is published monthly, except January, 11 times per year Executive Board Since 1907 for $10.00 per year in the United States by the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, Steve Share, Editor Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President; Greta Callahan, 312 Central Avenue SE, Suite 542, Minneapolis, MN 55414-1097. Executive Vice President; Jeff Heimerl, First Vice Next issue: All other countries $5.00 additional per year. T S-70 W I N I T I E S AFL-CIO C President; Samantha Hartwig, Second Vice President; Dan DULUTH Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, Minnesota. April 24, 2021 McConnell, Financial Secretary-Treasurer; Kelly Wilson, Deadline: POSTMASTER send address changes to: Register Clerk; Annette Davis, Deputy Register Clerk; April 7, 2021 Minneapolis Labor Review / Minneapolis Labor Review Newspaper, Grace Baltich, Reading Clerk; Brittany Bullock, Recording 312 Central Avenue SE, Suite 542, Minneapolis, MN 55414-1097. Secretary; Tommy Bellfield, Sgt.-At-Arms; Uriel Perez See page 11 for complete 2021 schedule Office (612) 379-4725 Fax (612) 379-1307 Espinoza, Aaron Hill, Russ Scherber, Mary Turner and

[email protected] Jigme Ugen — Trustees; Judy Russell Martin, Sterling “The rights labor has won, labor must fight to protect.” Sanders, Laurie Stammer. —Floyd B. Olson, Minnesota Governor, 1930-1936 www.minneapolisunions.org

Page 2 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 27, 2021 www.minneapolisunions.org Events Register April 1-30 to participate in ‘Fare For All’ sales offer 40 percent savings Minneapolis DFL’s precinct caucuses MINNEAPOLIS — For the city of representing Minneapolis failed to win Minneapolis, elected offices on the DFL endorsement for re-election). on groceries at drive-through-only sites ballot this year include mayor, all 13 Important dates in this year’s Min- MINNEAPOLIS — Fare For All, n Chaska, Thursday, April 29, city council seats, all nine park board neapolis DFL endorsement process: which sells discounted grocery packages, 4:00– 6:00 p.m., Crown of Glory Luther- seats, and the two seats on the board of n Tuesday, April 27 will feature continues to offer drive-through-only an Church, 1141 Cardinal St. estimate and taxation. live online virtual caucus events to sales at selected sites. n Fridley, Friday, April 30, 10:00 Minneapolis residents who wish to hear from candidates seeking endorse- Visit fareforall.org for COVID safety a.m. – 12:00 noon, Fridley Senior Cen- participate in the Minneapolis DFL ment. These are optional events and protocols for the drive-through sales. ter, 6085 7th Street NE. Party’s 2021 precinct caucuses and participation is not required in order to Fare For All offers a savings of 40 After an interruption, the Laborers 2021 endorsement process will need be eligible to vote for delegates to the percent on grocery items, currently sell- Local 563 hall in northeast Minneapolis to register in advance for this year’s ward conventions. ing a produce pack for $10, a mini meat now is back on the Fare For All schedule virtual precinct caucuses. n May 12-18 will be the voting peri- pack for $11, a combo produce and mini as a drive-through distribution site. The The registration period runs from od to elect delegates to the ward conven- meat pack for $20, a mega meat pack for next sale there will be Friday, May 28, April 1 through April 30. To register: tions and city convention. $25, and a special brunch box for $30. from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. n Visit caucus.dfl.org and register n June 5-6 will be the dates for Here is the April 2021 schedule for The sales are weather dependent and online. ward convention virtual events, Fare For All’s drive-through sites in the are subject to change at the last minute. n Call 612-552-4215 and leave a streamed on Facebook, YouTube, and Minneapolis Regional Labor Federa- The specific grocery packages which detailed voice-mail and a good time Twitter. Participation at these events tion’s seven-county region: will be offered for the dates and locations for someone to call you back. will be optional. Events will be stag- n Buffalo, Tuesday, April 13, 4:00– above will be announced the week of the n Text “2021” to 612-712-7461 to gered June 5 so that city-wide candi- 6:00 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 sale on the Fare For All Facebook page: chat with a volunteer by text on your dates can attend all the events. Highway 25 South. facebook.com/fareforall. own schedule. n June 2-8 will be the balloting n Blaine, Thursday, April 22, 3:00– Fare For All is open to anyone who When registering for the precinct period for ward conventions to en- 5:00 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 641 wishes to save money on groceries. The caucus, you will have the opportunity dorse city council candidates. The re- 89th Ave. N. program has no income requirements. to express candidate preferences. sults will be announced June 11. n Bloomington, Friday, April 23, The drive-through sites accept pay- The precinct caucus registration n Saturday, June 12 will be the 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Creekside Com- ment by credit card, debit card, or EBT. also will ask if you want to put your date for a virtual live city convention. munity Center, 9801 Penn Ave. S. Check the Fare for All website — name forward to be a delegate to your However, the live event is optional n New Hope, Monday, April 28, fareforall.org — for more information ward convention and the city conven- and city convention delegates will not 3:00–5:00 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic including additional distribution sites and tion (you can run for a position as a need to attend in order to vote. Community, 8701 36th Ave. N. dates in the Twin Cities area. delegate for one or both conventions). n June 9-15 will be the balloting pe- The DFL precinct caucuses nor- riod for city convention delegates to mally convene in-person at neighbor- vote for endorsements for mayor, park March 27: Minneapolis Fire Department seeks hood schools, community centers, or board, and board of estimate and taxa- places of worship. tion. Results will be announced June 19. firefighter cadets, offers information session Due to COVID-19 precautions, The general election will be No- MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis cadet information session, visit www. however, the entire Minneapolis DFL vember 2. Because Minneapolis uses Fire Department is recruiting a new class minneapolismn.gov/government/jobs/ endorsement process this year will be Ranked Choice Voting for local elec- of cadets and March 27 will be offering firefighter-jobs. conducted online. tions, a primary election will not be an in-person information session for pro- For more information about the infor- (Last year’s online DFL endorse- needed. spective recruits. mation session, contact Destiny Xiong at ment process led to two major upsets, Visit minneapolisdfl.org for more The information session will take 612-673-3586 or Destiny.Xiong@min- when two incumbent DFL legislators information. place Saturday, March 27 at the Firefight- neapolismn.gov. ers Hall and Museum, 664 22nd Ave. NE, Starting salary for a Minneapolis Fire- Minneapolis. fighter Cadet is $21.98/hour and after The information session will be of- promotion to Firefighter, wages increase Need help with fered twice that day: from 10:00 a.m. – to $65,312 annually. 12 noon and repeated from 1:00-3:00 The firefighter cadet application win- grocery bills? p.m. dow will be April 19-30. COVID safety protocols will be re- Minneapolis Firefighters are union Fare for All Express offers fresh quired. members, represented by Minneapolis fruits and vegetables, frozen meats To register online for the firefighter Firefighters Association Local 82. and staple items. Fare for All Express packages cost $10-$30. Save the date: Annual Nellie Stone Johnson The program is open to everyone scholarship dinner planned September 2 and has NO income requirements. SAINT PAUL — Normally a spring- donation to the scholarship fund are COVID-safe, drive-through sales offered! time event, this year’s annual Nellie asked to do so now. Stone Johnson Scholarship Dinner will The Nellie Stone Johnson scholarships Friday, May 28, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. be Thursday, September 2 at the Double- benefit minority students with a union af- tree Hilton Hotel in Bloomington. filiation who attend one of the Minnesota Laborers Local 563 Union Hall, 901 14th Ave. NE, Minneapolis Organizers hope a live, in-person State Colleges and Universities. event will be possible at that time. Donate online at nelliestone.org or For other dates and locations, and more information, In the meantime, unions or individu- mail a check to: NSJ Scholarship, P.O. see story this page or visit fareforall.org als who normally plan to make a spring Box 40309, St. Paul, MN 55104. www.minneapolisunions.org March 27, 2021 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 3 If you worked in 2020, don’t forget see if Events you qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit April 2, 16: Minnesota Orchestra offers free MINNEAPOLIS — If you worked earned up to $56,844 in 2020 may re- in 2020, be sure to see if you qualify ceive a credit up to $6,660. for the Earned Income Tax Credit You must fi le a federal tax return broadcasts and livestreams of live concerts when fi ling your federal tax return. and Form 1040 Schedule EIC to claim MINNEAPOLIS — You can enjoy by Aguila, Shostakovich, and Schumann. The State of Minnesota also offers the Earned Income Tax Credit. two live performances by the Minnesota Marc Albrecht will be the conductor and the Minnesota Working Family Credit. You also may qualify for Education Orchestra in April, right from the comfort pianist Simon Trpčeski will be the fea- For both your federal and state in- Tax Credits and, if you have children of your own home. tured soloist. come tax returns, these credits can re- or an incapacitated spouse or adult de- As part of a continuing concert series The members of the Minnesota Or- duce the amount of income tax you pendent, you may qualify for the Child during the COVID-19 pandemic, the chestra are members of the Twin Cities pay and may lead to a tax refund. and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Minnesota Orchestra has been perform- Musicians Union Local 30-73. Earned Income Tax Credit In Minnesota in 2018, 11.6 percent ing live Friday night concerts which can The Orchestra announced March 16 The federal Earned Income Tax of tax fi lers received the federal be enjoyed free online via a livestream or that Friday night concerts between April Credit (EITC) is a work credit that Earned Income Tax Credit, totaling by tuning in to Minnesota Public Radio and August 2021, including the summer may give you money back at tax time $710.3 million. or Twin Cities PBS. season in July and August, will continue or lower the federal taxes you owe. Minnesota Working Family Credit Friday, April 2 at 8:00 p.m., the Or- to be televised live on the Twin Cities PBS You can claim the credit whether Like the federal EITC, the Minne- chestra will present “A Musical Pass- (TPT) MN Channel as well as broadcast you’re single or married, or have chil- sota Working Family Credit can re- port.” Conducted by Sarah Hicks, the live on Classical Minnesota Public Radio dren or not. The main requirement is duce your state income taxes or lead to program will include music celebrating (99.5 FM) and streamed live online for that you must earn money from a job. a refund even if you do not owe tax. such locales as Brazil, Cuba, Italy, Rus- free at minnesotaorchestra.org. The credit can eliminate any feder- The income limit is $58,000 for sia, Armenia and more. The concert also Limited-in-size audiences will be in- al tax you owe at tax time. If the EITC married people fi ling jointly, or will includes refl ections on world travel vited back to Orchestra Hall beginning in amount is more than what you owe in $52,000 for others. from Orchestra musicians and an intro- June for two concerts led by Music Di- taxes, you get the money back in your To see if you qualify, complete the duction from a special guest—renowned rector Osmo Vänskä. tax refund. If you qualify for the cred- Minnesota Department of Revenue’s travel writer and television host Rick For more information about the April it, you can still receive a refund even if 2020 Schedule M1WFC. Steves. Note: the April 2 program will programs, or for free access to an online you do not owe income tax. Free tax help is available. Visit not be available live on MPR. archive of past Minnesota Orchestra per- Single individuals who earned up to www.revenue.state.mn.us and type Friday, April 16 at 8:00 p.m., the Or- formances, including “at home” perfor- $50,954 in 2020 may qualify for the “Free Tax Help” in the search box or chestra will feature “Outliers and In- mances by Orchestra musicians, visit EITC and receive a credit up to $6,660. call 651-297-3724 or 1-800-657-3989 trigue.” The program will feature works minnesotaorchestra.org. Married couples fi ling jointly who to fi nd a location near you. Through April 24: East Side Freedom Library offers online help with History Day projects SAINT PAUL — Saturdays through show up in the “Zoom Room” any Satur- April 24, the East Side Freedom Library day morning. is offering a National History Day “Zoom Visit eastsidefreedomlibrary.org/events Room” where experienced mentors will for more information about History Day provide guidance and access to resources resources available from the East Side for students engaged in History Day proj- Freedom Library, or for a link to the ects. “Zoom Room.” The “Zoom Room” will be open from This year’s National History Day 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. theme is “Communications in History.” The library encourages students to Due to COVID-19 precautions, the make an initial contact by e-mail at Minnesota History Day state competition [email protected]. this year will again be a virtual event, Students are also welcome to just with judging taking place May 1. April 26: Carpenters to begin 5-week industry orientation programs for spring, summer SAINT PAUL — If you have always set to begin April 26. Hours will be Mon- been interested in becoming a carpenter day through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or know someone who is, APEX Industry Graduating participants will receive a Orientation is a great entry point! full set of tool bags with essential hand This spring and summer, the Carpen- tools. ters Training Institute will host four This career readiness program is APEX orientations where participants wholly funded by a grant through the will spend fi ve weeks experiencing an in- Minnesota Department of Labor and In- troduction to major areas of the fi eld, in- dustry and the U.S. Department of Labor. cluding jobsite readiness and expecta- Applicants must have a high school di- tions, working hands-on with common ploma or GED and a driver’s license. hand tools and power tools, construction For more information or to register, techniques and an introduction to lifts. contact Chelsea Hoops at 651-289-5054 or The fi rst training group tentatively is [email protected]. Page 4 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 27, 2021 www.minneapolisunions.org Essential workers seek justice, not praise, after one year on COVID front lines By Michael Moore, editor, quarantine leave, fall behind on their bills. to 100 hours of paid leave to workers ex- St. Paul Union Advocate retroactive to the “We don’t get quarantine pay,” said cluded from a COVID-19 relief law SAINT PAUL — Essential workers start of the emer- Amhed, who is active in the Awood Cen- passed by Congress last year. Governor on the front lines of the COVID-19 out- gency. And work- ter, a local organization for workers from Tim Walz has included funding for the break have heard plenty of praise over ers like Stark- the East African immigrant community. measure in his budget proposal. the last year, but protection has been weather, from “We are asking the government to pass Remembering and fighting on harder to come by. communities hit that leave policy so we can take care of As essential workers press for action Marking one year to the day that hard by the pan- our health and also our families.” at the state legislature, the strain of 12 COVID-19 was declared a national demic, should get Elia Starkweather The Center for Disease Control recom- months working in uncertain and of- emergency March 13, essential workers priority access to mends most people quarantine for at least ten-chaotic conditions remains. from across Minnesota gathered virtually COVID-19 vaccinations. 10 days after coming into close contact Starkweather said she feels like she’s and in person near the State Capitol in “The people who should be getting with someone who has COVID-19. But aged nine years in the 12 months since Saint Paul. They reflected on their expe- the vaccines are the ones I see dying in too many workers, like Amhed, don’t get the national emergency began. After con- riences, honored the sacrifices many the ICU — the elderly and people from paid if they stay home from work, unless tracting COVID-19 in January, she wor- have made, and called for policy mea- the BIPOC community,” said Turner, they have accrued enough paid time off. ried not only about her health and her sures to ensure an equitable recovery. who serves on the Biden administration’s Workers who’ve needed to quarantine family’s health, but also about how she Minnesota Nurses Association presi- COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. (some multiple times) are burning would pay the bills without going to dent Mary Turner, who works as an ICU “It’s as easy as that.” through their PTO and sick time during work. nurse at North Memorial Hospital, said ‘Make this right’ the pandemic trying to keep their co- She also still mourns the loss of a fel- essential workers “are keeping Minneso- The anniversary event, co-sponsored workers — and the community — safe. low janitor with whom she worked side ta going in the hospitals, in the streets, in by the We Make Minnesota coalition and In a survey of Minnesota Nurses As- by side for three years on the overnight the grocery stores, in the kitchens.” several local unions, came as the debate sociation members, 71 percent of nurses shift. He died in August after contracting But Elia Starkweather, a Minneapolis over paid leave was heating up at the who responded said they had given up the coronavirus. janitor and officer of Service Employees State Capitol. Workers said the issue is a PTO, sick time or paid hours for pan- “It’s really painful to see that empty International Union Local 26, added that matter of justice for those working peo- demic-related reasons. The average chair every single day in the building, to while people may “call us essential ple, disproportionately women and amount of lost time was 23 hours. see the places he used to work, where he workers, angels, superheroes who go to workers of color, who could not work Health care workers “have isolated used to clean,” Starkweather said. “It’s work every single day, nobody’s taking from home during the pandemic. themselves in hotel rooms, basements, really hard.” care of us like we are human beings.” Gulad Amhed, who works at an Ama- even backyards because, most of all, they Do better for essential workers To truly support essential workers, zon warehouse in the metro area, said can’t afford to get sick,” Turner said. Even as Minnesotans across the state Starkweather and others at the event said, several of his coworkers have come to “We have to make this right.” and from all walks of life have been af- state lawmakers should pass a bill that work even after being exposed to the vi- Measures in the Minnesota House (HF fected, the COVID-19 pandemic has ex- would provide Minnesotans with paid rus because if they miss a paycheck, they 41) and Senate (SF 331) would provide up ESSENTIAL WORKERS page 8

www.minneapolisunions.org March 27, 2021 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 5 March 11, 2021: Grim Anniversary Unions and their members respond to a year of COVID-19 By Steve Share, Labor Review editor The union also used its own resources “These organizations are mem- MINNEAPOLIS — March 11, 2021 to provide PPE and hand sanitizers to ber-driven,” Heimerl said. “It’s tough to marked one year since the World Health members. conduct our business without member Organization declared that COVID-19 SEIU Healthcare Minnesota input… I want the member involvement had become a worldwide pandemic. COVID also prompted SEIU Health- provided it’s safe.” “While it was different for everyone, care Minnesota to step up its use of tech- United Food and Commercial Workers we all lost something. A collective suffer- nology to communicate with members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ing. A collective sacrifice. A year filled “We were dealing with massive grocery store workers emerged as unlike- with the loss of life — and the loss of liv- amounts of disruption in our work,” re- ly heroes — keeping products stocked ing for all of us,” said President Joe Biden, ported Jamie Gulley, SEIU Healthcare and implementing new measures to keep speaking March 11 in his first live address Minnesota president. “A large percent- themselves and shoppers safe. to the nation from the Oval Office. age of our membership had COVID,” he “Everybody was in a high stress mode No Minnesotan, no union member, no said, and “we had one member die from for a while,” said Paul Swanson, a 16- union, escaped the impact of COVID-19 COVID at North Memorial after a work- year Local 663 member who is a grocery and its resulting economic disruptions. place exposure.” manager at the Lunds & Byerlys in Way- People got sick. Friends, co-workers The union already had experience us- zata. and loved ones died. ing techniques such as “tele town halls” “I couldn’t be prouder of our mem- Thousands of workers were laid-off to engage with its widely-dispersed home bership and how they responded to this from their jobs. Others were lucky to be ICU nurse Mary Turner, president, Min- care membership. crisis,” said Matt Utecht, president of able to work from home. nesota Nurses Association The union also had experience dis- UFCW Local 663. He added: “It feels Unions canceled in-person member- tributing worksite fliers via text. like it’s been several years but it’s been ship meetings and a year’s worth of so- SEIU Local 26 To communicate with the union’s en- only one.” cial events. SEIU Local 26 also found that technol- tire membership during COVID, “it was At the outset of the crisis, the union But COVID also prompted unions to ogy was key to connecting with members, doing that stuff times 10,” he said. successfully advocated with Governor advocate for improved safety measures reported Local 26 secretary treasurer Bra- SEIU Healthcare also shifted its an- Tim Walz to see that grocery workers for onsite work and for accommodations him Kone. Stewards previously had been nual convention to be a virtual event. were classified as Tier 1 essential work- for workers to work remotely. using WhatsApp, a group texting tool, but “Even when we can have our convention ers — which qualified the workers for And, amidst the pandemic, a wave of “in these COVID moments, it was the main in-person again, we’ll have an online op- emergency childcare. union organizing took place in previous- driver of a lot of communication between tion,” Gulley said. “The convenience The union also found its retail grocery ly unorganized worksites. the union and the members.” factor was high and people like that. It’s employers willing to adopt safety mea- Union leaders and union members re- Local 26 represents janitors and secu- been great for participation.” sures suggested by the union — and to cently spoke with the Labor Review to rity officers — essential workers who Building Trades provide hazard pay of an additional $2 reflect on this past year and the challeng- cannot work from home — and COVID With occasional shutdowns due to per hour. es they faced and continue to face. has taken a toll on the membership. COVID outbreaks at jobsites, work has “What came of it was we created a They shared as well as how some of “Four of our members have died and largely continued at construction sites better working relationship with our em- the creative responses to those challeng- 800 were affected with a quarantine,” during the pandemic, reported Dan Mc- ployers,” Utecht said. es — especially the use of technology to Kone reported. “Some of our members Connell, business manager of the Minne- Local 663 also used technology to meet and communicate — may continue have had to quarantine two times.” apolis Building and Construction Trades connect better with members. long after the pandemic ends. The union tried unsuccessfully to win Council. “We just had a few outbreaks “The union was pretty awesome — Minnesota Nurses Association quarantine pay for members from em- that I’m aware of.” they were sending daily e-mail alerts and Intensive care unit nurse Mary Turn- ployers. Ultimately, “the union decided Construction work frequently in- text messages,” said Swanson. er, president of the Minnesota Nurses As- to use members’ own dues” to provide a volves handling hazardous materials, he “Everyone was starving for informa- sociation, early on in the pandemic raised measure of quarantine pay, Kone report- said, and using “PPE is really part of the tion,” Utecht said. “The membership ap- the issue that nurses lacked proper sup- ed, with the executive board authorizing culture.” preciated it.” The e-mails and texts “ab- plies of Personal Protective Equipment, $300,000 for that purpose. A year since the pandemic began, solutely” will continue, he said (although such as N-95 masks. many local building trades offices remain now weekly). Nurses were forced to use and reuse closed to walk-in visitors and in-person Minneapolis Federation of Teachers multiple times masks that were designed meetings are limited. The Minneapolis Federation of Teach- for one-time use. “Although we’re support for essential ers also has seen participation increase Now, she fears, emergency measures workers, we have limited access to our thanks to new use of technology. “We when hospitals were nearly full of hall,” reported Jeff Heimerl, business used to have 50 members showing up to COVID patients — including reduced manager for IBEW Local 292. a meeting — now we have 700,” report- standards of care — may become the “We’re developing a 292 app for ed Greta Callahan, MFT president. norm. smart phones — it’s partly a result of the In contrast to UFCW’s more coopera- “We want to make sure they go back pandemic,” he said. “It’s going to be a tive relationship with employers, MFT to the pre-COVID work standards,” she great way to communicate with our has been in a continuing battle with the said. “You could say this for any work- members.” school district, first about making dis- place.” Over the past year, Heimerl said, tance learning work better for students “The good thing that has come out of “we’ve had one membership meeting — and teachers, now over transitioning to a the pandemic: the use of virtual [meet- in the parking lot.” safe return to classrooms. “We have been ings],” Turner said. “It’s so nice to be on The international union does not al- completely shut out, “Callahan said a meeting where our rural nurses are low the local to conduct its general mem- March 19. “They refuse to talk about meeting our metro nurses… We’re going bership meeting via Zoom, so the Local anything COVID-related even though it to take steps to keep that up because our 292 executive board has been handling affects our working conditions and participation has skyrocketed.” Paul Swanson, UFCW Local 663 member. all the local’s business. terms.” Page 6 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 27, 2021 www.minneapolisunions.org MRLF, Working Partnerships host food giveaway Lock-out MINNEAPOLIS —More than two dozen local continued from page 12 unions, community groups, and businesses teamed highly trained, experienced union mem- up with the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation bers with workers from lowest-bidder and Working Partnerships March 20 to distribute subcontractors, including firms from out- free family-sized boxes of food in northeast side Minnesota. Minneapolis. The food was provided by the U.S. That’s a concern both for Teamsters Department of Agriculture’s “Farmers to Families” and for their loved ones, many of whom program as part of USDA’s COVID-19 response. already have grown accustomed to wor- The food giveaway took place at the parking lot rying about what happens inside the re- of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers, where finery. 65 volunteers turned-out to help. About 1,120 Megan Christner said she remembers 30-lb. boxes of food were distributed to the public telling Jason not to apply for a job at the first-come, first-served — each containing meat, refinery in the first place because of the vegetables, and fruit — along with 1,120 gallons risks and hazardous materials involved. of milk. “Those are thoughts, when he goes to Regional labor federations and local unions work, that I still have,” she said. have been hosting similar events across the state. “The company is penny pinching,” The MRLF and Working Partnerships are plan- Christner added. “They want to save a ning several additional food giveway dates in April. buck. But this is about lives, about our Check minneapolisunions.org for the schedule. Volunteers gave out 1,120 USDA “Farmers to Families” food boxes. husbands and our friends and our family members coming home.” Amber Marlatt said the thought that Jason, an operator at the refinery, would feel less safe working under Marathon’s contract proposals, is “heartbreaking and scary.” “We have two girls, 4 and 8, and they want their dad to come home,” Marlatt added. “I need him to come home. That’s why we’re not giving up.” Family members aren’t the only out- siders with a stake in the standoff be- Greta Callahan, president (left), and Ana Vásquez, second Volunteers included Shetara Round, member of Carpenters tween Marathon and Local 120 over vice president (right), Minneapolis Federation of Teachers. Local 322. safety. The refinery is nestled between residential areas of Newport and St. Paul Park, along the banks of the Mississippi River. In April 2018 an explosion rocked the Husky Energy refinery in Superior, Wis., and ensuing fires prompted local authori- ties to evacuate people living nearby. Two dozen people working in the facility were injured. Among the Teamsters locked out by Marathon in St. Paul Park are several workers trained in fighting chemical fires. Most fire departments in the area focus on training to fight residential fires, union members say, leaving the refinery MRLF organizer Kerry Jo Felder (third from left), helped recruit 65 volunteers from local unions and community groups. poorly protected during the lockout – and potentially, if management gets its way Upcoming USDA Farmers to in negotiations, for good. It’s no surprise, then, that the March Families food giveway 11 event drew community members to the picket line, support Christner called hosted by MRLF and “refreshing to see.” Working Partnerships: “People are here because this is where they live, and they don’t want to see Saturday, April 17 something potentially bad happen in 10:00 a.m. their community,” she said. “Marathon is paying all these people IBEW Local 292 parking lot to come in from out of state and work during this lockout, paying for their ex- 6700 W. Broadway Ave. penses, paying for their hotels. Mean- Brooklyn Park, MN while, their loyal workers are out here on the line, fighting for the community’s safety. People appreciate that.” Photos by Brad Sigal More photos: facebook.com/bsigalphotos Volunteers included Kai C. Sondai, member of IATSE Local 13. www.minneapolisunions.org March 27, 2021 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 7 Minneapolis firefighter to climb Mt. Everest, raising funds for injured firefighters By Steve Share, Labor Review editor “It’s a difficult time” for fundraising focus and concentrate on what you’re do- MINNEAPOLIS — If you live in for Firefighters for Healing, Coffey not- ing,” he said. Similarly, with climbing, in Minnesota and you’re a mountaineer in ed, and he hopes people will be inspired a clutch situation “your mind clears and training for a high-altitude climb, you by the group’s worthy cause and by his focuses on what you need to do.” prepare as best you can. “I’ll go out on a Everest climb to make a donation. In mountain climbing and in firefight- lake snowshoeing with a heavy pack and Coffey, 52, grew up in Minnesota hik- ing, you are part of team. “The real dif- a heavy sled and pull it around,” said ing and backpacking with his family on ference” as a firefighter, Captain Coffey Scott Coffey, Oak Grove, who is a Min- the Superior Hiking Trail, which follows said: “I’m the one in charge and making neapolis Fire Department captain and a the rugged hills alongside Lake Superior. decisions.” On a high-altitude climbing 16-year member of Firefighters Local 82. At age 17, he accompanied his father expedition, he is usually with a team led At the end of March, Coffey plans to on a climb of Mt. Whitney in California by a professional climbing guide. depart for Nepal with the goal of climb- — and in doing so discovered a new pas- But, Coffey added, “any time the guide ing Mt. Everest — the world’s highest sion for high-altitude mountain climbing. finds out you’re a firefighter and you work mountain. He has climbed major peaks in the in a big city, they treat you differently.” But that’s not Coffey’s only goal for U.S. and in South America and seeks to As a firefighter, Coffey is also an the trip: he’s also using publicity for his climb the “Seven Summits,” the highest Emergency Medical Technician, and he climb to aim to raise $10,000 for Fire- mountains on every continent. has used those skills to assist a fellow fighters for Healing. May 2019: Scott Coffey at the summit of “I do it because I get a feeling I can’t climber who was injured. The nonprofit group was founded by Pequeno Alpamayo (17,482-ft.) in Bolivia. find anywhere else,” Coffey said. “It’s a “I try to learn from every [fire] call fellow Minneapolis firefighter Jake La- feeling of peace and serenity and yet it’s and every climbing experience,” Coffey Ferriere after he was severely burned port to injured firefighters and other first hard work. I feel alive up there.” said. “Every mountain I got to, I come while fighting a 2010 fire — a call where responders as well as to patients and fam- Mountain climbing, like firefighting, back a better person for it.” Coffey also was on the scene and helped ily members of patients undergoing treat- is “inherently dangerous,” Coffey noted. To follow Coffey’s climb and donate: with the rescue of LaFerriere and other ment at Hennepin Healthcare’s Burn and As a new firefighter, there’s an adren- bodhi7summits.com firefighters who were injured. Trauma Center in Minneapolis or Re- aline rush with every call. But “the lon- For more information: Firefighters for Healing provides sup- gion’s Hospital Burn Unit in St. Paul. ger you’re in, the more you’re able to firefightersforhealing.org Teacher of the Year semi-finalists include 15 from west metro area school districts SAINT PAUL — Education Minne- Schools, Clear Springs Elementary, in- cial studies, grades 10-11. n Lauren Wheeler, Minneapolis Pub- sota, the state’s teachers union, has an- strumental music, grades K-5. n France Roberts, Wayzata Public lic Schools, Thomas Edison High School, nounced 25 semi-finalists for the annual n Beth Hausladen, Westonka Public Schools, Meadow Ridge Elementary fitness for life/health, grades 9-12. “Teacher of the Year” honor. Schools, Shirley Hills Primary School, School, elementary education, grade 1. n Shawna Wilson, Shakopee Public The group of 25 semi-finalists in- elementary education, Kindergarten. n Lauren Scherer, Eden Prairie Schools, Shakopee High School, family cludes 15 teachers from the seven-county n Todd Hunter, Anoka-Hennepin Schools, Central Middle School, math and consumer science, grades 10-12. west metro area. School District, Anoka High School, sci- and science, grade 7. A selection panel of 25 community The west metro semi-finalists include: ence, grades 10-12. n Jessica Stewart, Osseo Area leaders chose the semifinalists from an n Layne Bell, Hopkins Public n Nicholas Hupton, Bloomington Schools, Osseo Senior High School, so- initial field of 75 candidates from across Schools, Hopkins High School, English Public Schools, Bloomington Jefferson cial studies, grades 9-12. the state. The panel will review the semi- language arts, grades 9-12. High School, English, grades 9-11. n Kathryn Tabke, Shakopee Public finalists’ portfolios again, along with n Wright Braudt, Southwest Metro n Stuart Darnell Keroff, Aspen Acad- Schools, Shakopee High School, En- semifinalist video submissions, in late Intermediate District 288, SW Metro Ca- emy charter school (Savage, Minn.), so- glish, grades 11-12. March and will select up to 10 finalists reer and Technical Education, photogra- cial studies, grades 5-6. n Jamie Weisz, Anoka-Hennepin from among the group. phy and graphic design, secondary. n Robert Kohnert, Minneapolis Pub- School District, Champlin Park High The Minnesota Teacher of the Year n David Davis, Minnetonka Public lic Schools, Southwest High School, so- School, math, grades 9-11. will be announced later this year. Essential workers Explore the continued from page 5 Minneapolis posed the racial inequities in our state and made them more deadly than ever, Labor Review said workers like Shaun Laden, president of the Minneapolis Federation of Teach- ers’ Educational Support Professionals Archive chapter. 113 years of labor “Once on the other side, we must re- build our institutions anew, ready to lift up history at the click of workers and break down racism and other forms of discrimination,” Laden said. a mouse button! Minnesota must “do better by those Web-Based this pandemic has deemed essential... They deserve their work and sacrifices to Searchable be commemorated by deed, not simply by declaration,” Laden said. “Paid family Free Access leave, unemployment for hourly school workers, raising the minimum wage, im- www.minneapolisunions.org plementing universal health care — these are the actions we need to take.” Page 8 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 27, 2021 www.minneapolisunions.org Local Union News AFSCME Local 2822: she would prevail in her grievance. But, CWA Local 7250: late their demands for more living-wage Steward Regina Kittrell wins grievance, she said, “I have a family that I need to Labor community joins picket to jobs and an end to outsourcing and to be reinstated to job with lost wages support. I fought for me, I fought for my protest AT&T retail store closings union-busting. Regina Kittrell, co-chief steward of family, I fought for… our members, for AT&T has announced plans to close “We cannot just disappear in silence”, AFSCME Local 2822, has won her union workers, all of us.” three more company-owned, union- said Héctor Capoté, an AT&T retail em- grievance with Hennepin County. In a “An injury to one is an injury to all,” staffed mobile phone retail stores in the ployee and union steward. “We have to decision announced March 10, she will Kittrell said. “I look at our union as a Twin Cities— part of a move to shut 94 stand up. The time is now.” be reinstated to her job and also will re- family. We fi ght together as a family.” stores nationwide. West St. Paul city council member ceive her lost wages. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005: But when company-owned stores Robyn Gulley announced her solidarity Kittrell, Hopkins, is a nine-year mem- Metro Transit negotiations have closed in the past, an AT&T “autho- with the union, stating “replacing secure, ber of AFSCME Local 2822 who works continue with mediator rized retailer” often has opened nearby living-wage, union jobs with underpaid, as a medical receptionist at the North- As the Labor Review went to press — staffed by non-union employees. under-resourced, non-union jobs is an- Point Health and Wellness Center in March 22, yet another round of negotia- To protest the loss of good union jobs, ti-worker and anti-community. And it’s north Minneapolis. tions between Metro Transit and Amal- members of the broader labor communi- union-busting — even if they change the “Helping people is something I’ve al- gamated Transit Union Local 1005 was ty joined members of Communications storefront. AT&T should be ashamed.” ways liked to do,” said Kittrell, who has scheduled for March 30-31 with a medi- Workers of America Local 7250 at an in- Minneapolis Federation of Teachers: worked 25 years in the medical fi eld. “I ator. formational picket March 10 at the AT&T Online survey seeks input about school have a caring heart.” Local 1005’s members are working store at 1980 South Robert Street in West issues from students, families, community Kittrell was fi red December 20, 2020, under an agreement that expired August St. Paul. Through an online survey, the Minne- which the union charged was in retalia- 1, 2020. That’s one of the stores slated to close apolis Federation of Teachers is reaching tion for her efforts to organize co-work- September 22, 2020, Local 1005 next month, along with AT&T retail out to students, families, and the commu- ers at the clinic, who successfully advo- members voted overwhelmingly to reject stores in Shakopee and Apple Valley. nity to solicit views about which school cated last summer to win the right to a one-year agreement offered by Metro “This is union-busting, pure and sim- issues are most important. work from home during the COVID-19 Transit — which included no wage in- ple,” said CWA Local 7250 president Ki- “The survey is for community input pandemic (Labor Review, February 27, crease— and to authorize a strike (Labor eran Knutson. “This is an attack on the for our bargaining,” explained Greta Cal- 2021). Review, October 16, 2020). living standards and opportunities for our lahan, MFT president. “I know I didn’t do anything wrong,” Metro Transit’s current offer, for a communities and our class. We have no The union invites broad participation Kittrell told the Labor Review March 18. two-year agreement, offers a wage in- choice but to fi ght back.” in the survey, which can be accessed via “As a union, we try to unite our workers creases of one-half percent in the fi rst CWA Local 7250 vice president Kasie a link on the MFT Facebook page at to make sure they have safe, respectful year and one percent in the second year. Garcia stated that “AT&T had promised www.facebook.com/mftlocal59. working conditions.” Local 1005 president Ryan Timlin re- thousands of new jobs while lobbying for Or, here is a direct link to the survey: In addition to fi ling a grievance with ported March 19 that winning hazard pay the Trump-era corporate tax cuts. But in- www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q699WGR Hennepin County, AFSCME Local 2822 during COVID-19 remains an issue as stead, we’ve had thousands of jobs cuts Minnesota Nurses Association: waged a petition campaign advocating well as winning safety clauses in the con- — even in the middle of a pandemic with Biden taps MNA president Mary for Kittrell’s reinstatement and also orga- tract. the company still making billions in prof- Turner for COVID equity task force nized phone calls to county commission- The current agreement, Timlin said, its.” Minnesota Nurses Association presi- ers. contains no language about Personal Pro- “They will never live up to their dent Mary C. Turner has been selected to AFSCME’s other Hennepin County tective Equipment or safety protocols to promises unless executives start to feel serve on the national Biden-Harris locals also advocated on Kittrell’s behalf, protect workers from biohazards and the pressure,” said CWA Local 7250 COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. as well as members of other unions. blood-borne pathogens when they need chief steward and AT&T retail worker Turner is the only Registered Nurse to “The support was overwhelming,” clean up blood, urine, and feces. Larry Thompson. serve on this advisory board to advise the Kittrell said. “I can’t even put it into In addition, the union wants to see im- The union says that this is the opening White House on how to ensure all Amer- words. I get teary-eyed sometimes.” proved safety at locations where one op- salvo in a campaign to “Defend Our icans have access to COVID-19 resourc- Initially, Kittrell said, she wasn’t sure erator is replaced by a relief operator. Jobs,”and that future actions will esca- LOCAL UNION NEWS page 10 Retiree Meetings Michael IMPORTANT NOTICE During the current public health crisis, retiree meetings likely have been can- celed. Please check with your organization about meeting schedules and cancel- Rainville lations. for Minneapolis City Council The Labor Review no longer will be running standing notices for retiree meet- ings as long as the COVID-19 crisis continues. Ward 3 If your retiree group is meeting in-person or online, and you want to share that information, or if you have other important announcements to share, con- 23-Year Member, tact the editor at 612-715-2667 or e-mail [email protected]. Local 17 Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council: neapolis Regional Retiree Council e-mail list so Next online meeting planned April 15 you can regularly receive the Zoom meeting Executive Committee Member The next regular monthly meeting for the link, agenda and materials. Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council, Minneapolis Retired Teachers, Chapter 59: Shop Steward AFL-CIO will be an online meeting planned for Online meeting set for April 27 Partnering with labor for Thursday, April 15 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Minneapolis Retired Teachers, Chapter 59 Picket Captain For more information, contact Graeme Al- has two planned online meetings for the com- a better Minneapolis len, community and political organizer for the ing months: April 27 and May 25. The meet- rainvilleward3.org www.latrishaforward4.org Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, at 612- ings will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. For Prepared and paid for by Rainville Volunteer Committee, 481-2144 or [email protected]. more information, contact RTC59info@ Prepared and paid for by LaTrisha Vetaw for Ward 4, PO Box 18753, 1600 18th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 Upon request, you can be added to the Min- gmail.com. 2927 Washburn Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411 www.minneapolisunions.org March 27, 2021 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 9 More Local Union News continued from page 9 “This pandemic hit all the restaurants and hotels,” said Claudia Sandoval serve on the new task force, which will Meza, a nine-year member of UNITE advise the White House how to ensure all HERE Local 17 who testified in support Americans have access to COVID-19 re- of the ordinance at a March 4 public sources. She was selected personally by hearing. Meza, a banquet cook at the President Joe Biden for the task force. Delta Hotel in northeast Minneapolis, “I’m both honored and humbled to has been out of work since March 2020. serve the country,” Turner said. “The “We need to get our jobs back that we voices of the nation’s registered nurses lost due to a pandemic,” Meza said, not- need to be part of the conversation on ing the pandemic shutdowns were “man- how we end the effects of this vicious vi- datory for us to leave our work and stay rus.” home to keep us and everyone safe.” Turner was part of a press conference “This year has been a struggle to pay roundtable convened in November by our bills and feed our families,” Meza then president-elect Biden. Her remarks said. “My household depends on my in- drew national media attention. come as a single parent and this has been “I myself have held the hand of dying the worst and hardest time for myself and patients who are crying out for their fam- Painters host food giveaway with St. Paul labor fed many others who have not been able to ily that they can’t see,” Turner reported LITTLE CANADA — Painters District Council 82, in partnership with the Saint Paul Regional Labor Federation, work this whole year.” at the news conference, as she teared up. AFL-CIO, hosted a food giveaway February 27 at District Council 82’s headquarters in Little Canada (photo Compounding the difficulties of the “I’ve taken care of co-workers as they above). About 50 volunteers, including 40 from the Painters, distributed 1,300 30-pound boxes of food and past year: “not knowing if we will go fight for their lives on a ventilator, and 1,300 gallons of milk to anyone in need on a first-come, first-served basis. At similar food giveaways across back to our previous jobs,” Meza said. knowing that they got sick because the the state, local unions and regional labor federations have been distributing food boxes provided by the Meza urged the city council: “I feel hospital or their government hasn’t pro- United States Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families program. The Minneapolis Regional Labor that we should have the right to go back tected them.” Federation hosted food giveaways February 27 and March 20, with another planned for April 24. The food to our previous jobs and pick up where Turner had subsequent discussions giveaways include meat, fruit, vegetables and milk. For more information, see stories this page and page 7. we left off.” with Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, the In her work at the Delta Hotel, Meza chair of the new task force. Nunez-Smith Painters District Council 82: unions and regional labor federations, in- said, “I loved my job… as a banquet said she was moved by Turner’s testimo- Painters host food giveaway cluding the Minneapolis Regional Labor cook for many years… I worked my way ny at the November news conference as Painters District Council 82, in part- Federation. up… and I have earned my pay rate and was Biden, who could be seen wiping a nership with the Saint Paul Regional La- At the February 27 event in Little my seniority.” tear from his eye. bor Federation, AFL-CIO, hosted a food Canada, volunteers equipped with face- Ward 3 city council member Steve After the November news conference, giveaway February 27 at the Council’s masks loaded the USDA-provided food Fletcher was the chief author of the Turner told CNN: “For the first time, headquarters in Little Canada. boxes and gallons of milk into people’s “Right to Recall” ordinance. speaking with president-elect Biden… I Beginning at noon, about 40 volun- cars as they arrived at the drive-through In a statement on Facebook, Fletcher had hope… I finally felt like somebody teers from Painters District Council 82 event. Each box included two proteins, said: “We all want to welcome visitors was actually listening… I really felt like — plus six family members and four oth- fruit, vegetables, and dairy items. back to Minneapolis as soon as we can, somebody who could really do some- er community and union volunteers — “Our members are grateful for the op- and we want to make sure that hospitality thing about it was listening to me and I distributed some 1,300 boxes of food and portunity to volunteer and participate in workers are included in the recovery when was so grateful.” 1,300 gallons of milk to anyone in need these partnerships,” said Terry Nelson, we are able to re-open. People who work “I’ve seen how this pandemic has dis- on a first-come, first-served basis. business manager of District Council 82. at hotels and event centers can how have proportionately hurt people in our com- The free food distribution was part of “It’s our pleasure to give back in any way the peace of mind to know that they will munity,” Turner said. “At my hospital, the Farmers to Families Food Box Pro- we can.” have the opportunity to return to work.” we have a diverse patient population, gram, an initiative of the U.S. Depart- “…[G]rassroots activism is exactly The ordinance becomes effective and, as nurses, we can see what the data ment of Agriculture in partnership with what our region needs right now, and May 1 and applies to both union and non- is telling us. More patients in our com- farmers, ranchers, food processors and that’s why we’ve partnered with unions union workers. munities of color. More effects of the vi- distributors and community non-profits. like District Council 82 to bring basic ne- While the collective bargaining agree- rus. We have to end this by fairly distrib- Similar food giveaways across the cessities to those who need them,” said ments for UNITE HERE Local 17 mem- uting our resources to everyone.” state have been hosted by other local Erica Dalager Reed, community services bers included recall rights, those protec- liaison for St. Paul’s Labor Studies and tions were due to expire after 12 months. Resource Center. “Logistically, we need Non-union hospitality workers had no n Pipefitters Local 539 forklifts, we need palette jacks, and we such protections. need people who can operate them — “This is really an effort for us to raise PIPERS n April 30: St. Cloud Contract Vote/Allocation that’s what these workers are providing. labor standards for the unorganized,” For updates Meeting. They’re also providing the empathy and said Wade Lüneburg, Local 17 recording Due to the uncertain times with COVID-19, The mailing for this information was sent March 4. It connection that all of us so sorely need to- secretary. That impact on the larger part please watch your mail, the Pipefitters website also will be on the website and Facebook page. day. We’re all very grateful to participate.” of the industry that may not have a union, UNITE HERE Local 17: that’s significant.” (pipefitters539.com) and the Facebook page for Remember to pay dues Minneapolis passes ordinance to Local 17 also is advocating at the updates. Please be safe out there. Please remember to pay your dues for January-June mandate recall rights for hospitality Minnesota legislature for a statewide 2021. You are able to pay online for your dues on and events industry workers “Right to Recall” bill. Meeting reminders the Pipefitters website. You do not need to log in The Minneapolis city council voted Sources: Local unions and Labor Re- n April 7: Allocation Meeting. to do so. unanimously March 12 to pass an ordi- view reporting. n April 27: Residential Contract Vote/Allocation nance mandating recall rights for the Next deadline: April 7, 2021. To sub- Meeting. If you would like something added to the Pipers section of the Labor Review, call the office at (612) 379-4711. thousands of hospitality and event indus- mit a story idea or news item, contact try workers who have been laid off from 612-715-2667 or e-mail laborreview@ Paid for by Pipefitters Local 539 • www.pipefitters539.com their jobs as a result of COVID-19. minneapolisunions.org.

Page 10 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 27, 2021 www.minneapolisunions.org Q: Did you get many calls from your Labor Review ad? A: “Oh, definitely. It was a very good ad. It worked out really good.” —Jim, member, Plumbers Local 15 $5.00 FOR 25 WORDS An exclusive service for subscribing Union members only. Next deadline for Address Change? Sell, Buy, Rent Ads: April 9. Copy must be mailed or delivered. NO TELEPHONE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Ads must be accompanied by payment in check or Subscription Instructions? SELL, BUY, RENTDEPARTMENT money order. Each ad must include your union affiliation and your tele- Please let us know if your address will be phone number, along with your mailing la- bel. Over 25 words — 15¢ each extra word. changing, if your household is receiving more 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 Cut out or photo-copy your mailing label from are selling products or services can be advertised in these columns. For display advertising, please contact 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: APRIL 9. with your instructions: Attn: mailing list For Sale: Three 5-ft. x 6-ft. wood/ For Sale: 2019 Craftsman snow- Wanted: Old coins, collections, Minneapolis Labor Review aluminum framed windows for blower, 2-stage, 26-in. cut, 8-h.p. bullion, paper money, gold coins, NOTICE 312 Central Ave. Suite 542 cabin/porch, $120/OBO; New OHV horizontal shaft engine, proof sets, mint sets, etc. Anything NEXT EDITION OF Jennweld framed interior door bought March 27, 2019, used very from pennies to paper. Best of all, Minneapolis, MN 55414 LABOR REVIEW: LH open 32-in. x 80-in., $65; Used little, mint condition, paid $859, I’ll pay cash and come to you. No phone calls, please, to report address changes, APRIL 24, 2021 steel exterior door with lock set, sell for $650. Call 763-497-2759. Please call Dick at 612-986-2566. Next Ad Deadline is April 9 deadbolt with keys, 32-in. x 79-in., stop duplicates, or cancel your subscription. Thanks! $50. Vern, 651-210-2179. Wanted: Guitars and amplifiers For Sale: S&W Model 1000 Didn’t use it made in the USA pre-1980. Also For Sale: Craftsman folding 12-gauge shotgun, $225; Marlin this winter? interested in drums and some oth- adjustable saw horses, Model Glenfield Model 60 .22 LR with er instruments. Bob, 612-521-4596. CMST 11031, 2,500-lb. capac- Sell what you Minneapolis Regional scope, $130; Ruger Model 10/22 don’t need with a .22 LR, $150. All are used and in ity, used twice, $60/pair or 2 Wanted: Solid state Hammond, good shape. John, 763-522-6988. pair/$110. Roger, 763-755-2633. Sell, Buy, Rent ad Farfisa, Vox, Nord, Yamaha, Labor Federation… For Sale: Earthquake Rototill- Korg, Roland organs, key- For Sale: One twin adjustable For Sale: Old child car seat er, Poulan 16-in. gas chainsaw, boards, synthesizers, 1960s to ‘Like’ us on facebook for: bed, two years old, bought new, and Radio Flyer wagon trailer both like new, $120/OBO; 42- 2000s; Also want solid state has remote, used one year, new and Pioneer 8-track auto tape • News Updates • Action Alerts • in. pull-behind lawn sweeper, Leslie speakers. Jimmy “B,” 612- twin mattress and sheets, can deck, $100 each/OBO; Wicker/ $30. Vern, 651-210-2179. 824-0872. send pictures by phone if inter- glass round coffee table, $65. • Links • Photos of Union Events • ested, $500. Bob, 763-428-8297. Vern, 651-210-2179. Coming deadlines: Don’t forget to cut out For Sale: Women’s golf clubs, Wanted: Lead ingots, wheel April 9 your mailing label and full Wilson set with bag, like weights, lead water pipe, any form May 14 send it in with your new, barely used, $60. Jack, of lead to make sinkers and jigs. June 11 Sell, Buy, Rent ad! 952-945-0931. Call Ozzie, 763-566-4257. July 9 www.facebook.com/minneapolisunions Minneapolis Labor Review 2021 Publication Schedule The Labor Review will publish 11 issues in 2021. Note: NO issue published in January. The publication date normally will be the last Saturday or second to last Saturday of each month (exceptions: November, December).

April 24 July 24 October 16 Deadline: April 7 Deadline: July 7 Deadline: September 29 Game Fair Preview General Election Issue Primary Election Issue

May 29 August 21 November 13 Deadline: May 12 Deadline: August 4 Deadline: October 27 114th Anniversary Issue Labor Day Issue Holiday Shopping Guide

IBEW Local Union 292 June 26 September 25 December 18 Minneapolis Electrical Workers Deadline: June 9 Deadline: September 8 Deadline: December 1 Holiday Issue Safety bers in need or distress, either with a gift card from our We are responsible for our own safety at work. It’s Local 292 food shelf or teams of Brothers and Sisters Next Special Issue: important that you not only create a safe work environ- helping around the house. If you need assistance or ment for yourself but that you help others around you know of another Member in need, please call our May 29, 2021 be safe as well. Be aware of your surroundings and Brotherhood line at 612-617-4247 or send an e-mail correct things on the spot instead of ignoring them. to [email protected]. 114th Anniversary Issue! Taking OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour class at the JATC will Condolences Discounted ad rates available help improve you safety knowledge. Brother Michael J. Priem; Brother Vernon A. Heinen; Brotherhood Brother Michael G. Dorschner; Brother Thomas J. Barr. For more information, to suggest a story idea, The Local 292 Brotherhood Committee assists Mem- or to advertise, contact the editor at 612-379-4725 Monthly informational meeting via Zoom, on the Second Tuesday Paid for by IBEW Local 292 • www.ibew292.org or [email protected] www.minneapolisunions.org March 27, 2021 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 11 ‘Mama bears’ join picket line of locked-out refinery workers

By Michael Moore, editor, St. Paul Union Advocate ST. PAUL PARK — Megan Christner and Amber Marlatt could never put a price on the value of their husbands’ safety at work. So it infuriates them to see their husbands’ employer, the Mara- thon oil refinery in St. Paul Park, do just that. “It’s his life we’re talking about,” Marlatt said of her husband, Dave. “And Marathon cares more about saving mon- ey? I’m just blown away that someone could be so selfish.” Outraged and unreserved, Christner, Marlatt and dozens of other family mem- bers and friends took over Teamsters Lo- cal 120’s picket line outside the refinery March 11, showing the depth of commu- nity support behind nearly 200 union Billed as the “Mama bear” rally, the spouses, partners and children of locked- members who have been locked out by out Teamsters Local 120 members joined the Marathon picket lines March 11. Marathon since January 22. Photos by Brad Sigal More photos at facebook.com/bsigalphotos “I stand behind him 1,000 percent,” Christner said of her husband, Jason, an operator at Marathon. “I would be out here every night if I could, every day if I could. I told him do not back down. You’ve got to stand up for what you be- lieve.” What Christner and his fellow Team- sters believe is that Marathon’s contract demands, which the company has clung to in more than 24 bargaining sessions since November, would make workers inside the refinery less safe from work- place accidents — and put nearby com- munities at risk. Members of Local 120’s bargaining team say the company is dead set on shaking up staffing at the facility. Man- agement wants to replace some skilled, LOCK-OUT page 7 Page 12 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 27, 2021 www.minneapolisunions.org