Proposal for to mandate earned sick and safe time moves forward —page 6 MinneapolisMinneapolis LaborLabor ReviewReview 108th Year No. 11 March 18, 2016 www.minneapolisunions.org Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO Janitors win historic contract gains By Barb Kucera, editor, www.workdayminnesota.org MINNEAPOLIS — Twin Cities janitors voted March 12 to ratify a tentative contract agree- ment reached after a marathon bargaining session with cleaning contractors that ended early March 7. At a news conference the af- 2016 Legislature ternoon of March 7, a visibly tired negotiating committee for Legislation would Service Employees International provide paid family Union Local 26 briefed report- ers on the contract, which Presi- leave for all workers dent Javier Morillo said con- tained a 12.3 percent wage —See page 6 increase over four years and landmark language to address Labor news workload concerns. The janitors credit two ac- updated daily tions — a 24-hour unfair labor www.workdayminnesota.org practice strike February 17 and Members of the SEIU Local 26 janitors’ negotiating committee celebrated March 7 after announcing JANITORS page 7 historic gains in a new contract with Twin Cities cleaning contractors covering 4,000 workers. Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation… Follow us on facebook! Death of Justice Scalia impacts ‘Friedrichs’ case Special election www.facebook.com/minneapolisunions The sudden death of U.S. Su- workers in the bargaining unit. appointee.” preme Court Justice Antonin With Scalia dead, and a re- Garden notes, however, that Tuesday, April 5: Scalia February 13 came as the placement not in place, the Su- Friederichs served as a wake-up high court was weeks away from preme Court likely will split 4-4 call to many public sector Union member ruling on an important case on Friederichs. unions, who had been mobiliz- threatening public sector unions. That outcome would let stand ing to re-engage with workers Hala Asamarai What now for Friedrichs v. the ruling of the Ninth Circuit and turn “fair share” members runs for seat on California Teachers Associa- Court of Appeals, which sup- into full dues-paying members. tion? ported the Abood decision. “So what next for unions? It Columbia Heights With Scalia still alive, union The Republican-controlled largely depends on what happens supporters feared that the court’s U.S. Senate seems ready to deny between now and November in school board conservative 5-4 majority would President Barack Obama the op- the take-no-prisoners battle over Hala Asamarai is the likely reverse a 1977 decision portunity to appoint a new Su- Scalia’s replacement,” Garden AFL-CIO endorsed candi- upholding the right of public preme Court Justice to replace writes. “With well-funded, con- date in the special election sector unions to collect so-called Scalia. servative groups filing dozens of coming Tuesday, April 5 to “fair share” fees from workers So the right-wing effort to constitutional challenges to la- fill a vacancy on the Co- who choose not to become union use Friedrichs to cripple public bor-friendly public-policy re- lumbia Heights school members. sector unions by eliminating gimes, unions have a proverbial board. Some observers previously “fair share” fees may be dead — Sword of Damocles hanging over With a doctorate degree considered Scalia a possible for the near future. them. Replacing Scalia with an- in education, Asamarai is a swing vote on the issue, but his Writing for The Atlantic, other conservative justice would highly-qualified candidate. line of questioning during oral Charlotte Garden warns the re- almost certainly bring it crashing She is member of the arguments January 11 revealed prieve may be temporary: “Cas- down. A replacement by Obama, Minneapolis Federation of he now was likely to support re- es with the potential to chip Clinton, or Sanders would likely Teachers. versing the 1977 Abood v. De- away at organized labor will remove the threat for now, and, Asamarai is a 15-year troit Board of Education deci- continue to reach the courts in depending on who the replace- Columbia Heights resident. sion, which allowed unions to significant numbers no matter ment is, could leave unions with For more information on collect “fair share” fees to cover what, and they will proliferate if the most labor-friendly Supreme Hala Asamarai, visit www. the costs of representing all the next justice is a Republican Court since the 1960s.” votedrhala.com. MRLF organizing helps keep Bottineau light rail on track By Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President, economic equity. Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation Light rail construction has and will in- While our economy reflects modest clude targets for hiring people of color improvements since the Great Recession and women for the construction work and ended, most of those gains solely have targets for directing construction con- benefited corporate CEOs, not working tracts to firms owned by people of color people. That’s why we have and women. been laser-focused on proj- The Blue Line Extension ects that will raise wages for also means that residents of families right here in our local north Minneapolis and the communities. northwest suburbs will gain Thoughtful economic de- easier access to job opportuni- velopment projects that build ties and educational opportu- robust transit systems are im- nities. portant catalysts for workers The Blue Line Extension to earn family-sustaining represents a win-win-win for wages and improve their qual- workers, for communities, MRLF’s People of Color Union Members caucus ity of life. and for racial equity. The proposed Bottineau light rail line, For that reason, the MRLF helped to plans follow-up and next meeting for March 28 also known as the Blue Line Extension, turn out hundreds of union members and took a giant leap forward this month community allies to speak up at the local MINNEAPOLIS —The Minneapolis said Kerry Felder, MRLF community or- when the $1.5 billion project secured mu- public hearings scheduled as part of the Regional Labor Federation’s People of ganizer. “We will be continuing the con- nicipal consent from all five communities municipal consent process. Color Union Members caucus is plan- versations and we hope more union along the route. We saw a good, diverse turn-out in- ning next steps following last month’s members of color are interested in being The Blue Line Extension is an import- cluding construction workers, home town hall forum and visit by the national engaged.” ant component of the build-out of a 21st health care workers, educators, students, AFL-CIO’s Labor Commission on Ra- The People of Color Union Members century metro-wide light rail system to transit operators, immigrant leaders and cial and Economic Justice. next meeting will be Monday, March 28 link people throughout the metro region community residents. “Thank you to all who came out,” at the United Labor Centre at 5:30 p.m. with jobs, housing, education, entertain- The Blue Line Extension is a perfect ment and shopping. example of what can happen when people Looking for a union job? Working Partnerships The 13-mile Blue Line Extension will from many sectors come together to sup- run from downtown Minneapolis through port a public investment. north Minneapolis and continue through The MRLF’s involvement in helping launches on-line list of local union job openings Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal and to galvanize support for the Blue Line MINNEAPOLIS — Union jobs bring AFL-CIO has launched an on-line listing Brooklyn Park. The project includes Extension is part of our continuing work higher wages and benefits like paid vaca- of union jobs in the Minneapolis area. building 11 stations along the route. to build labor-community partnerships in tions, health insurance, even a pension. Visit http://workingpartnerships.org/ When the Blue Line Extension is the northwest suburbs. But how can you, your family or friends unionjobs/ for links to more information. completed, union members and workers MRLF community organizer Alfreda find one of those jobs? Working Partnerships is relying on will have a modern and efficient transit Daniels is our lead staffperson in this Now Working Partnerships can help. MRLF affiliates to help keep the list cur- option to get to work, school and recre- work. She can be reached at alfreda@ The community services arm of the Min- rent. Send job listings to ashley@minne- ation. minneapolisunions.org or 612-321-5674. neapolis Regional Labor Federation, apolisunions.org. Notably, the Blue Line will connect We’ll continue to seek opportunities Target’s corporate campus and North where creating good jobs intersects with in- Welcome, new readers Letter to the Editor Hennepin Community College to down- vesting in transportation infrastructure and Loyal reader and union member As a member of a union affiliated town Minneapolis, the Minneapolis-St. intersects with advancing racial equity. My dad, Donald Houle, died. Please with the Minneapolis Regional La- Paul airport, and the Mall of America. Next, we need to continue to advocate cancel this subscription. bor Federation, AFL-CIO, you now Expanding our light rail system brings for the Blue Line Extension to ensure the He read your paper from cover to cov- are receiving a subscription to the construction jobs, private investment and project receives needed federal and state er. He was a loyal union member. Minneapolis Labor Review. Several development along the light rail lines. funding — and to be sure the project —Brenda Houle, Coon Rapids affiliates recently have updated their Expanding our light rail system also meets job creation and equity goals. Labor Review mailing lists. For sub- provides our region the opportunity to ad- For more information on the Blue Editor’s Note: Donald Houle was a scriber service, see page 11. vance the important agenda of racial and Line Extension, visit BlueLineExt.org. member of IBEW Local 292.

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, 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. April 22, 2016 McConnell, Financial Secretary-Treasurer; Julie Blaha, POSTMASTER send address changes to: Minneapolis Labor Review Newspaper, Register Clerk; Paul Mueller, Deputy Register Clerk; Deadline: 312 Central Avenue, Suite 542, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Grace Baltich, Reading Clerk; Joyce Carlson, Recording April 6, 2016 Secretary; Tommy Bellfield, Sgt.-At-Arms; Martin Goff, See page 11 for complete 2016 schedule Office (612) 379-4725 Fax (612) 379-1307 Kyle Makarios, Russ Scherber, Mary Turner and Jigme [email protected] Ugen - Trustees; Steve Buck, Carol Nieters, Judy Russell- “The rights labor has won, labor must fight to protect.” Martin - At Large. —Floyd B. Olson, Minnesota Governor, 1930-1936 www.minneapolisunions.org

Page 2 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 18, 2016 www.minneapolisunions.org Events April 2: 10th annual Labor Health & Benefit Fair welcomes all union members and their families MINNEAPOLIS — The tenth annual members and their families. “Labor Health and Benefit Fair” will run Admission is free and the event is Saturday, April 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. open to the public. at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The event is sponsored by the Labor The 2016 event will feature more than Management Health Care Coalition and 75,000 square feet of information, educa- 23 participating union health funds. tion and activities focused on improving For more information, visit healthand- the health and lives of labor health fund benefitfair.org. April 15: ‘Labor Movie Night’ presents ‘Northern Lights,’ based on 1916 organizing in North Dakota SAINT PAUL — In another election The continuing “Twin Cities Labor year 100 years ago — 1916— farmers Movie Night” film series presents “North- joined with labor in North Dakota to orga- ern Lights” Friday, April 15 at 6:00 p.m. at nize a political movement to contest the the East Side Freedom Library, 1105 power of the big banks, railroads and giant Greenbrier St., St. Paul. grain monopolies. The Non-Partisan League The film won the 1979 Cannes Film Fes- won control of the state legislature, elected tival’s “Caméra d’Or”award for best first the governor, and enacted a progressive re- feature film. form agenda. Admission is free, donations welcome. Shot on location in North Dakota, the “Labor Movie Night” is sponsored by film “Northern Lights” (USA, 1978, 95 AFSCME Local 3800, AFSCME Council 5, minutes) follows a young farmer turned AFSCME Council 5 Next Wave, AFSCME Non-Partisan League organizer as his in- Locals 34, 552, 607, 1164 and 2822, IBEW creasing political activity conflicts with his Local 292, Teamsters Local 638, UNITE personal life. HERE Local 17, East Side Freedom Library and Minneapolis Labor Review. April 22: Save 40 percent on groceries with food packages from Fare for All Express MINNEAPOLIS — If you’re looking to The pick-up hours will be 11:00 a.m. to stretch your grocery dollars, Fare for All 1:00 p.m. Express offers a variety of discounted gro- Other coming Fare for All Express cery packages including produce-only, dates at the Sprinkler Fitters hall: May meat-only, and a combo package with both 20, June 17, July 22, August 19. produce and meat items. Prices range from Fare for All Express is a program of the $10 to $25 and offer a 40 percent savings. Food Group (formerly Emergency Food- The AFL-CIO community services shelf Network) and is open to everyone. program, Working Partnerships, sponsors Visit www.fareforall.org for other one of the 30 Fare for All Express distri- Fare for All Express locations and dates. bution sites in the greater metro area. Fare for All Express accepts cash, Working Partnerships’ next Fare for EBT, credit cards or debit cards. The pro- All Express pick-up will be Friday, April 22 gram is open to all and has no income at the Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 union requirements. No pre-ordering is neces- hall, 1404 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis sary and there is no paperwork to fill out. (two blocks north of Broadway on Central). For more information, call 612-379- 8130 ext. 112 or 763-450-3880. Save the date: Twins vs. Phillies for June 22 ‘Trades Night at ,’ including pre-game picnic MINNEAPOLIS — Wednesday, June directly from the Minnesota Twins start- 22 is the night for the annual “Trades ing April 15. To place an order, contact Night at Target Field” hosted by the Min- Luis Breazeale at 612-659-3575 or luis- neapolis Building and Construction [email protected]. Trades Council. The Minnesota Twins For more information, contact Jenny will play the Philadelphia Phillies. Winkelaar at the Minneapolis Building Tickets for the game will be available Trades at 612-817-2930. www.minneapolisunions.org March 18, 2016 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 3 Bernard Brommer remembered as thoughtful, effective leader By Barb Kucera, editor, Organization in Seattle in 1999. www.workdayminnesota.org ‘Capitalism is an economic system run Meticulous in a suit and tie, Brommer OAKDALE — Bernard Brommer, by others. Unions and government are presented a different image from the ste- who served for more than two decades as reotype of a union leader. But he was an executive officer of the state’s largest instruments that workers can use to feisty beneath the cool demeanor. labor federation, is being remembered as His tenacity — and attention to detail a thoughtful, effective leader whose ac- counter corporate power and change the — were critical in the long-running tivism continued after retirement. system. The alternative is anarchy. Really struggle to protect the state’s workers’ Brommer, 75, died March 6 after a compensation system. Under Brommer’s brief battle with cancer. what I’m saying is that free trade unions leadership, the federation and its affili- Brommer retired in August 2001 as ates battled numerous efforts by legisla- president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the are essential to democracy.’ tors to slash benefits for those killed and federation representing most Minnesota —Bernie Brommer, MN AFL-CIO president, 1990-2001 injured on the job. unions, after a career that spanned nu- Ron Cohen, a former research direc- merous changes for working people. workers across the state. ticularly those in manufacturing — faced tor at the state labor federation, said Raised in the small town of Ellsworth In 1979, Brommer was elected execu- decline under the onslaught of outsourc- Brommer’s approach to leadership was in southwestern Minnesota, his activism tive vice president of the Minnesota ing and unfair trade. measured, adding that “careful prepara- began when he went to work for the state AFL-CIO. Six years later, he was elected As Minnesota AFL-CIO president, tion” was chief among Brommer’s highway department as an hourly laborer secretary-treasurer. Brommer created the first full-time orga- strengths. in 1958, a time when public employees In 1990, Brommer was chosen for the nizing position at the state federation. “As secretary-treasurer and eventual- in Minnesota had no collective bargain- federation’s top office – president – be- “He recognized that our movement’s fu- ly president of the 400,000-member state ing rights. coming the first person to hold three dif- ture rests with extending the benefits of labor federation, Bernie prudently ex- In an interview with the labor press ferent executive offices with the state union membership to more working peo- pected loose ends to be tied up before an upon his retirement, Brommer remem- federation. He also was the first represen- ple,” said Bill McCarthy, current Minne- action was undertaken or a policy posi- bered signing up to join a union shortly tative of a public employee union to head sota AFL-CIO president. tion released,” Cohen said. after starting his first job, after a supervi- the organization. During Brommer’s tenure, the treat- While Brommer’s style differed from sor refused to share a copy of the civil In that regard, Brommer personified ment of workers in the global economy his predecessors as president — Dave service rules. the changes taking place within the labor moved to the forefront. The AFL-CIO Roe and Danny Gustafson (both leaders He eventually became a member of movement. Public employee unions, became an active participant in the Min- in Building Trades unions) — Brommer AFSCME Local 695, and rose through which won collective bargaining rights nesota Fair Trade Coalition — a role it was an effective leader able to take on the ranks to become executive director of in the Minnesota Legislature in the early still has today. Brommer led a delegation the challenges of his time, they said in AFSCME Council 6 (now Council 5), 1970s, were growing in number and of union members from the state to the remarks at his retirement. representing thousands of government strength, while traditional unions — par- historic protests against the World Trade BROMMER page 8 Filing federal and state taxes? If you worked in 2015, check if your income qualifies you for federal and state tax credits MINNEAPOLIS — Don’t leave Workers who earned about $50,000 or money on the table when filing your fed- less in 2015 and were raising children eral and state income tax returns. should see if they qualify for the EITC. If you worked in 2015, your income And single workers not raising chil- may qualify you for federal and state tax dren who earned less than about $15,000 credits that can mean you’ll pay less in might qualify for a smaller credit. income tax or receive a larger refund. But you must file a federal income tax For federal taxes, you may qualify for return to claim the EITC — even if you the Earned Income Tax Credit or the don’t owe any federal income taxes. Child Care Tax Credit. Minnesota Working Family Credit Up to $6,242 may be available to To be eligible for the Minnesota qualifying households from the Earned Working Family Credit, you must be eli- Income Tax Credit. gible for the federal Earned Income Tax For Minnesota taxes, you may qualify Credit..To claim the state credit, you for the Working Family Credit. must file a state tax return (Form M1, In- Federal Earned Income Tax Credit dividual Income Tax) and Schedule In Minnesota in 2012, the federal M1WFC. Earned Income Tax Credit totaled $718.3 Free tax help million claimed by 354,700 tax filers. A free on-line tool that estimates your The IRS estimates, however, that potential Earned Income Tax Credit can nearly one-fifth of eligible people miss be found at www.eitcoutreach.org/help. out on the EITC because they don’t know To learn where you an find free tax about it, don’t know that they qualify, or help, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. don’t know where to find free tax filing Or, visit www.youclaimit.org. assistance. You also may dial 2-1-1 (or 1-800- Some workers whose income de- 543-7709), your toll-free connection to creased in 2015 may qualify for the EITC community services in Minnesota and for the first time. ask for “free tax help.” Page 4 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 18, 2016 www.minneapolisunions.org Building Trades, Chamber of Commerce praise PolyMet decision DNR says Environmental Impact Statement for proposed copper-nickel mine is ‘adequate’ SAINT PAUL — The Minnesota De- “The decision confirms the PolyMet erate process involving a wide range of “We live here, we play here, we work partment of Natural Resources an- project can create hundreds of jobs and stakeholders. This thorough process con- here and we have clean air and clean wa- nounced March 3 that a proposed cop- economic benefits for the state while pro- firms that the project will create hundreds ter and we have been mining for over 130 per-nickel mining project in northeastern tecting the environment. This milestone of jobs while protecting our critical natu- year,” he added. “We know how to mine, Minnesota has submitted an “adequate” marks the end of more than 10 years of ral resources.” and PolyMet will be done right and safe- Environmental Impact Statement. intensive independent review and analy- Iron Range elected officials also wel- ly, as jobs and our environment already The DNR’s action allows PolyMet’s sis of the PolyMet project and paves the comed the DNR’s decision. co-exist…” NorthMet project to proceed to the next way for the state’s first copper-nickel “This is an important step for a proj- The public review of the 3,500-page stage of a still-long approval process. mine.” ect that will bring hundreds of good jobs Environmental Impact State drew the Located about six miles south of Bab- “The state of Minnesota should be to our region while sustaining the integri- most comments ever in DNR history bit, the project must yet win approval for proud today to recognize the promise of ty of our rivers, lakes, and land,” said —58,000 — and about 4,000 people at- some 20 state and federal permits, secure economic opportunity this project brings Eighth District U.S. Representative Rick tended three public meetings in 2014. final construction financing, and set aside to our communities,” said Harry Meland- Nolan. Environmental groups oppose the “financial assurance” funds for long- er, president of the Minnesota State State Senator David Tomassoni said, PolyMet project, saying it poses a threat term environmental protection. Building and Construction Trades Coun- “it’s been a long time coming. For those to the St. Louis River watershed and Nonetheless, project supporters cele- cil. “I’m thrilled to celebrate this mile- of us on the Range who have had to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilder- brated the DNR’s decision. stone. The PolyMet project will usher in watch our friends and neighbors get laid ness. The Minnesota State Building and a new era of mining that will create mil- off and have to fight tooth and nail for The Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council and Minne- lions of construction work hours in a re- their unemployment benefits this is a Construction Trades Council and the sota Chamber of Commerce issued a gion of our state that is hurting and in very welcome moment… It means we Minnesota Chamber of Commerce joint- joint statement: need of good paying jobs.” can move forward with the permitting ly formed Jobs for Minnesotans, a coali- “The hardworking men and women “The Department of Natural Resourc- process knowing the state did its due dil- tion of business, labor and communities who build and maintain our state and its es, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers igence to vet this project.” to support statewide opportunities for job industries, and the companies that are the and the U.S. Forest Service put forth ex- “This news couldn’t come at a better creation from proposed copper-nickel backbone of our statewide economy are ceptional dedication and due diligence in time,” Tomassoni said. “The people on mining projects in Minnesota. celebrating today.” analyzing the Final Environmental Im- the Iron Range are in great need of work For more information, visit “…[T]his decision is a landmark pact Statement,” said Doug Loon, presi- and the PolyMet project will help pro- jobsforminnesotans.org or Facebook. achievement for the project and a crucial dent of the Minnesota Chamber of Com- vide good-paying, badly-needed jobs to com/Jobs4MN. step forward for copper-nickel mining in merce. “The review and analysis were an area of the state in dire need of a shot This story includes reporting by the the state.” accomplished in a thoughtful and delib- in the arm.” Duluth Labor World.

www.minneapolisunions.org March 18, 2016 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 5 Legislation would provide paid family and medical leave for all workers By Barb Kucera, editor, www.workdayminnesota.org SAINT PAUL — All Minnesota workers would be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave under legislation unveiled March 7 by a new coalition, Minnesotans for Paid Family Leave. The statewide coalition of working families, faith communities, labor and nonprofit organizations is backing the 2016 Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (SF 2558), legislation creating an in- surance program to provide all Minneso- 2016 Legislature ta workers with a portion of their pay for up to 12 weeks for pregnancy and medi- Coming Lobby Days cal issues and 12 weeks for bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously-ill March 23 family member. Minnesota Building Trades “Everyone has a story. When my daughters Clara and Alice were born, I April 5 needed to be there to care for each of Representative Peggy Flanagan, DFL-St. Louis Park, held up a photo of her newborn AFSCME Council 5 them. Everyone needs paid family and daughter as she explained the importance of providing paid family and medical leave, medical leave,” said ISAIAH executive like she received. “I’m excited about this bill as a legislator but also as a mom,” she April 12 director and coalition co-chair Doran said. “For the health and wellness of the child, this is the right thing to do.” SEIU Minnesota State Council Schrantz. “Minnesotans should be able to work and care for themselves and their or their own serious medical issues.” The program is not for the occasional family or medical reason we could not families. Paid family and medical leave “Women in Minnesota are workers,” sick day, but rather mirrors the federal afford to lose him,” said small business would let them do both.” Sieben said. “We have one of the highest Family & Medical Leave Act, which pro- owner, Todd Mikkelson, about his com- Chief authors of the plan are state workforce participation rates in the coun- vides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to pany’s employee. “But we also could not Senator Katie Sieben, DFL-Cottage try.” workers for birth, adoption and serious afford to pay him for his time off.” Oper- Grove, and Representative Jason Metsa, Currently, 87 percent of Minnesotans health conditions facing them or a family ating under an insurance model, the pro- DFL-Virginia. lack access to paid family and medical member. posed program would help businesses Metsa related how he took time off leave. Some are covered by the federal A payroll tax of $1.70 per week on provide benefits they couldn’t otherwise work to care for his grandfather during Family & Medical Leave Act, which pro- both employers and employees would afford to offer on their own, he said. the last month of his grandfather’s life — vides for unpaid leave. fund the leave benefit. The Senate Committee on State and and how necessary, special and import- The coalition said it’s time for the Research from other states with paid Local Government approved the bill on a ant that time was for both. “I’m here as state to provide access to paid leave. Un- family and medical leave programs has voice vote March 14, sending it to the Ju- grandson,” Metsa said, “hopefully soon a der the plan, every employer and worker shown they benefit business by lowering diciary Committee, which scheduled a father.” participating in the unemployment insur- turnover, boosting productivity and en- hearing for March 17. No hearing was “Minnesota needs a comprehensive, ance system would contribute to a fund hancing morale, the coalition said. scheduled yet in the Minnesota House as statewide paid family and medical leave for the leave. The state would incur no Paid leave programs can also help to the Labor Review went to press. program so new parents don’t feel conflict- costs except those involved in setting up make small businesses more competitive The Minnesotans for Paid Family ed about taking time away from work to and administering the fund. and appealing to a new generation of em- Leave coalition is co-chaired by Chil- bond with their new family member,” said “Everybody will contribute and ev- ployees looking for basic benefits to sup- dren’s Defense Fund-Minnesota, ISA- Sieben. “Likewise, a leave program will al- erybody will benefit,” ISAIAH’s port their families. IAH and the Minnesota AFL-CIO. low family members to care for ill relatives Schrantz said. “If he needed a few weeks off for a Proposal for Minneapolis to mandate earned sick and safe time moves forward By Steve Share, Labor Review editor The 17-member Partnership Group sick time; on the Partnership Group. MINNEAPOLIS — A proposal for convened 14 listening sessions to hear n For businesses with four or more “It was a process that involved listen- the City of Minneapolis to mandate that from workers and business in different employees, sick time would be paid; ing to hundreds of workers and employ- employers provide earned sick and safe industries, seeking input about issues re- n For “micro-employers” with three ers and tough negotiations among stake- time has passed a committee studying the lated to earned sick and safe time — and or fewer employees, sick time would holders,” she added. idea and will be on its way to the City workers’ lack of those benefits. need not be paid; Glaubitz Gabiou explained why labor Council. Among the findings: “estimates sug- n Workers would earn one hour of unions — whose members generally re- The committee — the Workplace gest that between one-third to one-half of sick time for every 30 hours worked; ceive paid sick time as part of collective Regulations Partnership Group — was Minneapolis residents do not have access n Workers could earn 48 hours (six bargaining agreements — should be in- created by the City Council in October to paid sick time, with those residents days) per year and hold up to 80 hours in volved in supporting the Partnership 2015. more likely to be women, people of col- a “bank;” Group’s recommendations: “In this time The City Council created the Partner- or, and concentrated among lower-wage n The policy would not apply to of the changing nature of work, it’s par- ship Group to seek broader community earners, working less than full-time.” workers whose jobs offer benefits that ticularly important we show all workers input in the face of business community The Partnership Group voted 13-1 to meet or exceed these standards. ­— including low-income workers — that opposition to elements of the Working recommend the Minneapolis City Coun- “We’re excited and feel strongly the labor movement has your back,” she Families Agenda, a collection of policies cil adopt a policy with these elements: about the recommendations we’re put- said. “Hopefully, this will inspire more proposed by Mayor Betsy Hodges and n All workers — full-time, part-time, ting forward,” said Chelsie Glaubitz workers to think about forming unions in supported by labor and community and temporary— who work at least 80 Gabiou, president of the Minneapolis their own workplaces.” groups. hours in a year should be eligible to earn Regional Labor Federation, who served Page 6 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 18, 2016 www.minneapolisunions.org Janitors: 60 percent will get immediate pay raises to $15 per hour continued from page 1 increase from current wages; n Part-timers will receive the same the arrest of 11 workers on February 25 12.3 percent increase. for engaging in peaceful civil disobedi- New workload protections ence at U.S. Bank headquarters — for n Worker-centered enforcement helping to spur a settlement. through worksite reviews and walk- They also said support from allies and throughs of janitor’s workloads; the community was important. n A groundbreaking professional “Thank you to all the allies who sup- study through the University of Minne- ported us from day one, the unions from sota on the workload problems in all over Minnesota,” said Brahim Kone, worksites, developed through an indus- a janitor from St. Paul and leader on the try-wide committee. bargaining team. Expanded benefits The contract covers 4,000 janitors n For the first time, part-time janitors employed by several Twin Cities clean- will receive full healthcare benefits and ing companies. will have paid sick days; Kone said this year’s contract negoti- n Healthcare benefits improved for ations were “one of the toughest and full-time janitors. hardest negotiations.” Other wins “This was a hard fight, but we were n Janitors won a “just cause” clause fighting for a better life for our families for the first time, which means they can- and a step forward on rolling back racial not be fired without reason; Photo above: “We hope other workers across Minnesota can see that when you come disparities in our state, and the bargain- n Employers must make “good faith together and fight… you can actually win something,” said Lucia Guaman, a janitor ing team is so proud of the final result effort to accommodate” workers who who works for Harvard cleaning RBC Plaza in Minneapolis. that we are bringing back to the full want to take New Years Eve or Eid off membership,” Kone said. from work on paid time; “We hope other workers across Min- n Protections of benefits when build- nesota can see that when you come to- ings switch contractors; gether and fight… you can actually win n A better process for accessing something,” said Lucia Guaman, a jani- earned vacation time. tor who works for Harvard cleaning RBC Plaza in Minneapolis. “Winning new policies about work- Photo right: “This load, including walk-throughs with union was a hard fight, but Details of the settlement: stewards and a plan to do a worker-cen- we were fighting for tered third-party study about the real a better life for our Largest janitorial wage increases challenges facing janitors so we can end families and a step in more than 20 years this workload crisis once and for all, are forward on rolling n Over 60 percent of all janitors will huge wins for janitors and our families,” back racial dispari- immediately get raises to over $15/hour; said Guaman. ties in our state,” n All full-time janitors will receive “We want to say thank you to the said Brahim Kone, a raises of $.50, $.50, $.40, $.40; companies,” Kone added. “We know this janitor from St. Paul n Full-timers will reach $16.42 by the wasn’t easy for them. But at the end of and leader on the end of the 4-year contract, a 12.3 percent the day, we are partners.” bargaining team. MRLF and People of Color Union Members stood in solidarity with SEIU Local 26 janitors MINNEAPOLIS — Representatives of the Minneapolis Re- gional Labor Federation and its People of Color Union Members caucus announced support for SEIU Local 26 janitors at a March 3 news conference (photo left). Brahim Kone, who cleans offices in downtown St. Paul and serves on the union’s bargaining team, said about 90 percent of janitors in Local 26 of the Service Employees International Union are people of color. He called the contract campaign part of a broader effort to “raise up all people in this boat, all people in this community.” “We’re working hard to address the inequities in our com- munities, and it all starts with a powerful voice for workers,” Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation president Chelsie Glaub- itz Gabiou said. “These workers are diverse, they are coura- geous and they are willing to stand up for a fair contract.” “Minnesota houses some of the wealthiest corporations in this country, and yet we have some of the biggest racial dispar- ities,” POCUM activist Cathy Jones, a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, said. “We’re going to start putting a stop to that, and we’re going to start here today by standing in solidarity with our allies.”. www.minneapolisunions.org March 18, 2016 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 7 Stadium continued from page 12 “We’re on schedule, on target, look- ing forward to July completion,” Grenz said. Already, the new stadium is “definite- ly creating a buzz nationally,” said Lester Bagley, the Vikings’ executive vice pres- ident for public affairs and stadium de- velopment. “It’s going to be the best sta- dium in the league.” Kelm-Helgen said the MSFA’s deci- sion to use Minnesota-based Mortenson as general contractor has led to more than 90 percent of the work performed by Minnesota sub-contractors. “The workers have been doing great for us,” she added. “We’ve got a lot of people working very hard,” said Dave Mansell, Morten- son’s general superintendent for the sta- dium. “We’re working two shifts.” “We’re right on track for where we want to be,” Mansell said, echoing Grenz. “We’re not ahead because you Building Trades Credit Union fundraiser supports Working Partnerships can’t get ahead on a job like this but MINNEAPOLIS — Employees and members of Building Trades Credit Union participated in an annual holiday fundraiser in December to support Working Partnerships, the we’re right on schedule.” community services arm of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation. BTCU front-line employees are union members of OPEIU Local 12. Employees could purchase a “jeans The MSFA reported in October 2015 day” for each $1 donation. BTCU members who donated $25 received a BTCU t-shirt while a $10 donation brought a BTCU hat. Displays at the BTCU four locations — Maple that the stadium project already had ex- Grove, Shoreview, Bloomington — shared information about Working Partnerships’ work to assist union members who are experiencing financial hardships. BTCU offered to ceeded hiring goals, reaching 150 per- match all donations from employees and members up to $2,500. The fundraising drive resulted in a BTCU check for $4,446.77, which was presented to Working Partnerships cent of the female workforce goal and to support its programs. Photo above, left to right: Ashley Novak, Working Partnerships community services liaison; Doug Flateau, Working Partnerships executive director; 116 percent of the minority workforce Bill Daehn, BTCU president and CEO; Jay Stevens, BTCU vice president; Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, MRLF president. goal. Brommer: MN AFL-CIO president, 1990-2001 continued from page 4 “Bernie Brommer was a thoughtful and effective advocate for working Min- Brommer credited education – partic- nesotans, be it at the Capitol or on the ularly collective bargaining training he picket line,” said McCarthy. received from the University of Minneso- Brommer’s funeral service March 11 ta Labor Education Service — for prepar- at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in ing him for leadership. He was a strong Oakdale drew family, friends, union col- supporter of LES and, in 2000, spear- leagues, and elected officials. headed the effort to launch the Workday Reverend Rodger Bauman began his Minnesota website as a voice for working eulogy by quoting Paul from scripture: “I people and their organizations. have fought the good fight.” Brommer remained active in the labor The Catholic Church’s teachings on movement after retirement, appearing at social justice impacted Bernie Brommer, conventions and other public events and he said. “Bernie responded to the call of volunteering with retiree groups and others. his faith… in service to others… He Most recently, he provided insights cared deeply about social justice.” from his experience for Workday Minne- “He was concerned about the average sota’s series on the large and growing worker’s ability to provide for his fami- problem of wage theft. ly,” Bauman said, adding “Bernie could Brommer’s faith in collective bargain- connect with anyone, whether an unem- ing never wavered. ployed worker or a legislator.” “Capitalism is an economic system “Dad was a gifted public speaker,” re- run by others,” he said in the 2001 inter- lated son Brad Brommer. One of his fa- view. “Unions and government are in- ther’s talents, he said was “the ability to struments that workers can use to counter use language, to move, to inspire, to corporate power and change the system. touch people.” The alternative is anarchy. Really what Brommer is survived by his wife of 55 I’m saying is that free trade unions are years, Phyllis; sons Brad and Brent; daugh- essential to democracy.” ters Darcy and Denise; and numerous Union and elected officials, including grandchildren and other family members. Governor Mark Dayton and Lieutenant Saint Paul Union Advocate editor Mi- Governor Tina Smith, issued statements chael Moore and Labor Review editor mourning Brommer’s passing. Steve Share contributed to this story. Page 8 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 18, 2016 www.minneapolisunions.org Local Union News AFSCME Council 5: viders won’t have the opportunity to ne- fer. Metro Transit offered a two percent The Local 22 executive board appointed Child care workers vote gotiate higher state subsidy rates and bet- wage increase for each year of the two-year Bruce Peglow, Local 22 vice president since against joining union ter training to prepare kids for contract. 2007, to serve the remaining year of Mohr- In an election conducted by the Minne- kindergarten and success in life.” “Members have sent a clear message to land’s term as president. sota Bureau of Mediation Services, child “AFSCME honors the mighty women management that the offer presented does The Local 22 executive board appointed care workers across Minnesota voted 1,014- who care for Minnesota’s poorest chil- not match up with today’s realities in the Walter “Wally” Borgan to the position of 392 against choosing Child Care Providers dren. We value their hard work and will workplace,” the Amalgamated Transit vice president to serve out the remainder of Together/AFSCME as their exclusive col- continue to advocate for quality child Union Local 1005 newsletter reported. Peglow’s term. Borgan comes from the lective bargaining agent. care that working parents can afford,” ATU Local 1005 and Metro Transit are ConAgra Fridley plant and has worked more Child care providers eligible to vote Seide said. “But we will not pursue an- scheduled to resume negotiations March 31 than 25 years in the industry, serving as both in the election were those who had one or other union election before the law ex- with a mediator. a Local 22 union steward and executive more children who were enrolled in De- pires in 2017.” The contract covers about 2,400 work- board representative from the ConAgra cember 2015 in the state’s Child Care “After a decade-long battle, it’s clear ers, including bus operators and mechanics, Plant. Assistance Program. 2,348 home-based who helps and who harms working fami- light rail operators and mechanics, and other The Local 22 executive board appointed child care providers were eligible to vote lies and our children,” Seide continued. support personnel. Matthew Ryder to the position of financial in the election. “We thank Democratic leaders who af- The current contract expired July 31, recording secretary/business agent to serve The election was made possible by firmed the child care providers’ right to 2015 but, according to state law, it will re- the remaining year of Okenfels’ term. Ryder legislation passed in 2013 recognizing vote for a union. We expose Republican main in effect until a new agreement is has served Local 22 as hired staff since Feb- the collective bargaining rights of home- legislators who cut the providers’ pay reached. ruary 2015. He comes from Baldinger Bak- based child care workers, who would and training while ignoring 7,000 fami- Bakers Local 22: ing Company in Saint Paul and has worked have been able to bargain collectively lies waiting for child care assistance. And Retirements bring new top leadership more than 30 years in the industry. Ryder with the Minnesota Department of Hu- we condemn anti-union extremists whose Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Work- has served Local 22 for many years on bar- man Services if a majority had voted yes lawsuits continue to undermine the wom- ers and Grain Millers Local 22 has new gaining committees, as union steward and to union representation. en who care for our kids.” leadership, following the retirement of long- on the executive board. “We’re proud that we were able to ex- Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005: time officers. IATSE Local 13: pand collective bargaining rights to fam- Metro Transit workers vote to reject Ron Mohrland, Local 22 president since Seeking candidates for 2016 IATSE ily care providers who care for Minneso- contract by 97 percent margin 2007, retired February 18. Young Workers Conference ta’s poorest children,” said Eliot Seide, Voting February 14-15, Metro Transit Jerry Ockenfels, Local 22 financial -re The Young Workers Conference of the executive director of AFSCME Council workers voted by an overwhelming 97 per- cording secretary/business agent, retired International Alliance of Theatrical Stage 5. “But we’re disappointed that the pro- cent margin to reject a two-year contract of- February 1. LOCAL UNION NEWS page 10

Retiree Meetings Main Event Signs If your union local’s retirees group wishes to org/about/state-retiree-council. For any questions, contact IBEW Local 292 Locally Owned list your meeting notices here, please contact ATU Local 1005 Retirees: office at 612-379-1292. the Labor Review at 612-379-4725 or e-mail Meet North, South, and St. Paul Plumbers Local 15 Retirees: [email protected]. Here is the schedule for the Amalgamated Meet the third Tuesday of each month Union Sign Shop Transit Union Local 1005 retiree meetings: All retired Plumbers Local 15 members Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council: Minneapolis North: Second Tuesday of are invited to attend retiree meetings, continu- Next meeting April 21 each month, 8:30 a.m., Coon Rapids Ameri- ing the third Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. Banners The next meeting of the Minneapolis Re- can Legion, 11640 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW, at Elsie’s Restaurant, Bar & Bowling Center, gional Retiree Council, AFL-CIO will be Coon Rapids (intersection of Northdale Blvd. 729 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis (corner of Parade Banners Thursday, April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 and Crooked Lake Blvd. near the Coon Rap- Marshall and 8th Ave.). p.m. The meeting will be at the United Labor ids water tower). For more information, contact the Plumbers Magnetics Centre, 312 Central Ave., Room 219. We Minneapolis South: First Wednesday of Local 15 office at 612-333-8601. will have guest speakers discussing sin- each month, 8:00 a.m., VFW Post 5555, 6715 Pipefitters Local 539 Retirees: gle-payer health care. Lake Shore Drive, Richfield. ‘Fazed Out Fitters’ meet third Wednesday 612.627.9251 We will validate parking at the St. Antho- St. Paul: Second Wednesday of each Pipefitters Local 539 retirees — the “Fazed ny Public Parking Ramp (at the corner of 2nd month, 12 noon, Mattie’s, 365 N. Concord Out Fitters” — meet the third Wednesday of Main-Event-Signs.com St. SE and University Ave. SE), across Uni- St., South St. Paul. each month at 11:00 a.m. at Elsie’s, 729 Mar- versity from the United Labor Centre build- CWA Local 7200 Retirees: shall St. NE, Minneapolis. New members wel- ing. Just park and when you come to the Next meeting April 19 come. meeting we will give you a parking voucher. The Retired Members Club of Communi- Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Retirees: For more information about the Council, cations Workers of America Local 7200 will ‘Rusty Tinners’ meet April 12 Minneapolis Regional contact Graeme Allen, community and politi- meet Tuesday, April 19 at the CWA union The Sheet Metal Workers Local 10’s cal organizer for the Minneapolis Regional hall, 3521 E. Lake St., Minneapolis. Meeting “Rusty Tinners” retirees club will meet Tues- Labor Federation, at 612-321-5672 or e-mail begins at 12 noon, coffee and rolls and social day, April 12 at the Sheet Metal Union Hall, Labor Federation… [email protected]. time begins at 11:00 a.m. For more informa- 1681 E. Cope Ave., Maplewood. Salad pot- Minnesota State Retiree Council: tion, call the CWA Local 7200 hall at 612- luck lunch at 12 noon followed by the meeting ‘Like’ us on facebook for: Save the date: April 16 “Fun(d)raiser” 722-7200. at 1:00 p.m. If available, one of the business News Updates The Minnesota State Retiree Council, IBEW Local 292 Retirees: agents or someone from the benefits office AFL-CIO’s annual “Fun(d)raiser” will be ‘Senior Sparkies’ meet April 12 will provide an update of union activities and Action Alerts Saturday, April 16, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the The IBEW Local 292 retirees — “Senior answer questions. For more information, con- Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 hall, 1681 E. Sparkies” — will meet Tuesday, April 12 at the tact Paul Lesch at 651-433-3748. Links Cope Ave., Maplewood. The all-ages event United Labor Centre, 312 Central Avenue, Min- U of M Facilities Management Photos of Union Events features free admission and food, music, neapolis, in the Guy Alexander Conference and Maintenance Retirees: games, a silent auction, hourly raffles and Room (second floor). Refreshments will be at Meet last Tuesday of month more. Proceeds will support the work of the 12:00 noon. The meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. Retirees from the University of Minnesota Council to engage retirees in 2016 political SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, April 26, 2016, Maintenance Department meet the last Tues- work. For more information, or to download for a bus trip to Treasure Island Casino. Sign-up day of each month at 10:00 a.m. for breakfast www.facebook.com/minneapolisunions a flier about the event, visit www.mnaflcio. information to be mailed. at Elsie’s, 729 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis. www.minneapolisunions.org March 18, 2016 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 9 More Local Union News continued from page 9 ry, excellent union health/pension bene- MN Nurses Association: Local 30-73 who submits a letter of recom- fits, and the chance to make a difference Nurses reject Allina contract mendation. Employees will meet in Atlanta, Georgia in the lives of construction workers During all-day voting February 25, Min- To apply, submit a letter of recommenda- May 19-21. IATSE Local 13 members who working with the Laborers District Coun- nesota Nurses Association nurses from Uni- tion from a member of Local 30-73 and a are 35 years old or younger and are interest- cil and affiliated locals. Previous orga- ty, United, Abbott Northwestern/Phillips teacher, a resume of the young musician, ed in attending the conference should sub- nizing and/or construction work experi- Eye Institute, and Mercy hospitals over- and a copy of the letter of acceptance from mit a letter stating why they would like to ence is preferred but not required. whelmingly rejected a contract offer from the chosen music camp/school. attend. Submit via e-mail to executive@ Interested candidates should review Allina Health which would have eliminated Deadline for letters of application is May iatse13.org or mail to 312 Central Ave SE the job description posted at unionjobs. MNA health plans. 15, 2016. Ste. 398, Minneapolis, MN 55414. com/listing.php?id=8062 and e-mail The offer would have ended four differ- For more information, visit tcmu.com. Iron Workers Local 512: cover letter and resume to organize-mn@ ent health insurance plans for nurses, which UFCW Local 653: Benefit for Charlie Roberts liunagroc.com. have been part of the MNA contracts for 20 Grocery workers ratify 2-year contract planned April 9 MN Newspaper Guild: years. Allina offered to keep one of those Members of United Food and Com- Iron Workers Local 512 is helping to InterPlant Council voiced support for plans for one year. mercial Workers voted March 6 to ratify promote a fundraising benefit to aid former SEIU Local 26 janitors “I have very good insurance now. I don’t a new two-year contract with Minneapo- business manager Charlie Roberts, who is The InterPlant Council, which represents want to lose that insurance,” said Valerie lis area grocery stores. facing extraordinary expenses due to a unions at both the Star Tribune and Pioneer Johnson, RN at Abbott Northwestern Hospi- The contract provides wage increases health crisis. Press newspapers, voiced support for SEIU tal in Minneapolis. “I would have to spend for all full-time and part-time employees The event will be Saturday, April 9 from Local 26 janitors during the janitors’ recent so much on my healthcare if I got injured on who are at the top of their wage scale and 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the End Zone Bar & Grill, contract campaign. the job, it wouldn’t be worth it for me to maintains health benefits and pension 10491 260th St. E. in Elko. The InterPlant Council wrote a letter to continue being a nurse.” benefits. $10 at the door includes beer, access to Mike Klingensmith, CEO and publisher of The employer’s offer came as a result of The contract covers about 9,000 drawings and a silent auction. the Star Tribune, urging him to pressure the negotiations that took place February 10, workers who work for about 20 different U.S. Marine Corps veteran Roberts, 46, owner and manager of to 17, and 19 of this year. The two sides left the employers, including Cub Foods, Jerry’s has been a Local 512 member since 1995, reach a fair contract with the janitors. bargaining table without any agreement. Foods, Kowalski’s, Lunds and Byerlys serving the union as an executive board The letter read, in part, “we strongly urge The nurses’ negotiating team recom- and other stores. member and business agent before running you to contact the manager at Capella Tower mended MNA members reject the offer by UFCW Local 653: unopposed for business manager in 2011. with the message: We do not want to work Allina. Victoria’s Market closing Roberts helped shepherd the drive to in an environment where janitors who clean MNA represents 6,000 nurses who work Citing “significantly lower than expect- build Local 512’s new training center, which our work space are paid sub-par wages un- in the Allina Health system. ed sales,” Victoria’s Market announced the opened last year and is named in his honor, der unreasonable working conditions.” In January 2016, five other local hospital grocery store at 7999 Victoria Dr. in Victoria Roberts resigned as Local 512 business “Our move to Capella Tower has been a systems ratified a three-year contract with will be closing after less than one year in manager last year due to health reasons. fresh start for the Star Tribune. We are very MNA after “wage-only” negotiations. operation. Laborers Local 563: proud to represent our company in our SEIU Healthcare Minnesota: The store was targeted for picketing LIUNA seeking Spanish-speaking gleaming and modern surroundings. How- Golden LivingCenter workers organize by United Food and Commercial Work- construction organizer ever, that sheen apparently comes at a steep Workers at Golden LivingCenter in St. ers Local 653 when it opened in May The LIUNA Great Lakes Region is price.” Louis Park voted March 10 to choose SEIU 2015 because the store’s landlord owed looking for a Spanish-speaking construc- “Change is unlikely until the managers Healthcare Minnesota as their collective UFCW members thousands of dollars in tion organizer/marketing representative and owner of Capella Tower understand that bargaining agent. unpaid wages when he closed a Fresh to join the fight to protect the pay, bene- principled tenants such as the Star Tribune The vote was 88 to 19 in favor of joining Seasons grocery store he had operated at fits, and workplace rights of construction care deeply about working people. We will SEIU HealthCare Minnesota, despite a the same site. laborers in Minnesota, North Dakota, not tolerate their ill treatment. We urge you management campaign to pressure workers UFCW picketers passed out leaflets and northwestern Wisconsin. to speak on our behalf and on behalf of the to reject the union. urging customers not to shop at Victo- The position offers competitive sala- janitors, as well.” Golden LivingCenter St. Louis Park, ria’s Market and at a sister store, Glen 3201 Virginia Avenue South, is a skilled Lake’s Market, 14400 Excelsior Blvd. in nursing facility operated by Golden Living- Minnetonka. Pipefitters Local 539 Centers, which runs more than 300 facilities Both stores formerly operated as in 21 states, including 26 in Minnesota. Fresh Seasons, which owner Tom Wart- PIPERS State apprentice contest winners The new bargaining unit will include man closed with three days notice in Congratulations to two Local 539 Apprentices! The 145 workers. 2014, putting 120 UFCW Local 653 Elected officers State Apprentice Contest was held at the Local 539 Twin Cities Musicians Union: members out of work and leaving them The new Officers for Local 539 are as follows: Training Center on February 10th, 11th and 12th. Pat Young Musicians Scholarship Fund owed tens of thousands of dollars. Business Manager/Financial Secretary Treasurer: Garvey won first place in Service and Andy Segar took accepting applications Wartman remained as landlord of the Russell Scherber first in Pipefitting. They advance to the UA 4th District Scholarships for young musicians to two grocery sites when they re-opened as Assistant Business Manager: Paul Batsche Apprentice Contest in Mokena, Illinois this June. help with the costs of attending summer mu- Victoria’s Market and Glen Lake’s Mar- Business Agent: Jake Pettit, Terry Scherber, Condolences sic camps are available from the Young Mu- ket. Brandon Schauer Condolences are sent to the families of John T. sicians Scholarship Fund affiliated with the UFCW Local 653 maintained infor- President: Tim Batsche O’Brien, Robert Cook and Lloyd Linden who recently Twin Cities Musicians Union. mational picket lines at both stores seven Vice President: Chris Marano passed away. Applicants must be age 22 or younger days a week, impacting store traffic. Recording Secretary: Dave Gooley Website: www.pipefitters539.com and a full-time student at a public junior or Glen Lake’s Market closed in Sep- Executive Board: Paul Barbato, Jeff Johnson, Pipefitters Local 539 has a website address for high school, college, technical school, or tember 2015 when the business was pur- Kevin Pister, Tim Sorensen members to look at information and upcoming university level, or full-time home-schooled chased by union grocer Lunds & Byerlys, Finance Committee: Shawn Collette, Dave Koski, events: www.pipefitters539.com. student. which opened one of their own stores at Todd Reiter Applicants should be an individual of the site in November 2015. Inside Guard: Kevin Schmidt If you would like something added to the Pipers section extraordinary commitment and talent who Sources: Local unions, Labor Review Examining Board: Jon Gessner, Bruce Blase, Les Delton of the Labor Review, call the office at (612) 379-4711. has demonstrated financial need. reporting. To submit a news item or sug- Paid for by Pipefitters Local 539 • www.pipefitters539.com Applicants must be sponsored by a gest a story idea, contact 612-379-4725 member of Twin Cities Musicians Union or [email protected]. Page 10 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 18, 2016 www.minneapolisunions.org $5.00 FOR 25 WORDS An exclusive service for subscribing Union members only. Next deadline for Sell, Buy, Rent Ads: April 8. Copy must Address Change? 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 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: APRIL 8. with your instructions: For Sale: John Deere 46-in. Wanted: Buying advertis- Attn: mailing list NOTICE mower deck with Power ing-related signs, lights, dis- Coming Minneapolis Labor Review Flow, fits 300 Series garden plays for beer, soda, liquor, 312 Central Ave. Suite 542 NEXT EDITION OF tractors, $400; Weights for tobacco, gas and oil. Please Sell, Buy, Rent Minneapolis, MN 55414 LABOR REVIEW: John Deere garden tractors, call Garry @ 763-546-8010 or Deadlines April 22 $40 per weight. John, 763- text me @ 763-202-9067. for 2016 No phone calls, please, to report address changes, 489-8080. Next Ad Deadline is April 8 Wanted: Guitars and am- stop duplicates, or cancel your subscription. Thanks! April 8 For Sale: Handyman special For Sale: Power tools, hand plifiers made in the USA tools and finishing tools — pre-1980. Also interested in in Andover, 23-ft. Aluma-Lite May 13 Holiday fifth wheel, $2,500, retired carpenter selling out. drums and some other instru- hitch available for additional Call Jim, 651-402-5514. ments. Bob, 612-521-4596. June 10 $1,100. Kirk, 763-742-4807. Wanted: Old and broken Don’t forget to cut out For Sale: 2000 Lund Angler outboard motors, old gas July 15 your mailing label and SS 1650 console, 2000 75 h.p. engines and chainsaws, also Mercury power trim and tilt, send it in with your engine-related items like old August 12 2000 Minn Kota bow mount Sell, Buy, Rent ad! spark plugs, tools, gas and oil September 16 50-lb. thrust, 2014 Shore- cans, etc. Tom, 763-785-4031. For Sale: King size head- Land’r 16-ft. roller trailer, board, fruitwood stain, love- Wanted: Old coins, collections, October 14 $7,000. Call John, 612-529- ly symmetric pattern, double bullion, paper money, gold 0698. front pull-down storage, ex- coins, proof sets, m int sets, November 4 For Sale: Hunter green 10-ft. cellent condition, $100. 612- etc. Anything from pennies to Advertise in the Business Directory and x 20-ft. “DAKA” boat lift cov- 789-1658. paper. Best of all, I’ll pay cash December 2 reach more than 61,000 households monthly! er, used three seasons, $100. and come to you. Please call For Sale: King-sized plat- Call 612-379-4725 320-684-2602. Dick at 612-986-2566. form bed with 3 large stor- age drawers on each side, NO TELEPHONE ORDERS plus matching headboard If you didn’t use it FOR SELL, BUY, RENT with bookshelf and matching this past winter… DEPARTMENT ADS night table with drawer, all WILL BE ACCEPTED. with dark wood stain, excel- Sell what you don’t lent condition, $600 buys all. For Sale: Classic Coco front 612-715-2667. need with an ad in the and rear auto mats, choco- Labor Review late/tan tweed, like new, fits Be sure to list a price Sell, Buy, Rent Tahoe or GMC Yukon 2007- Department! 2013, $90. 320-684-2602. for your ‘For Sale’ items!

Minneapolis Labor Review 2016 Publication Schedule

April 22 July 29 October 28 Deadline: April 6 Deadline: July 13 Deadline: October 12 Primary Election Issue General Election Issue IBEW Local Union 292 May 27 August 26 November 18 Deadline: May 11 Deadline: August 10 Deadline: November 2 Minneapolis Electrical Workers 109th Anniversary Issue Labor Day Issue Holiday Shopping Guide Bikes4kids Condolences June 24 September 30 December 16 Deadline: June 8 Deadline: September 14 Deadline: November 30 IBEW Local 292 has partnered with Bikes4kidsmn.org. Gail Bangle’s (292 Trust Office) Husband, Donny Bangle; Holiday Issue Every first Wednesday of the month we have had vol- Brother Ted T. Johnson; Brother Paul W. Kariniemi; Brother unteers come out to the Bikes4kids heated bike shop Warren Day; Brother Gerry Wegner; Sister Mary Wittig’s in Ham Lake to help refurbish bikes to be given away Mom, Wilma Wittig; Brother Cyril Kalthoff; Brother Daniel Next Special Issue: to kids and people in need. We would like to thank Reichel; Brother Dexter Powell’s Dad, Charles Washington; May 27, 2016 — 109th Anniversary Issue! the members and extend an invitation to anyone who Brother Frank S. Slovak Jr.; Brother Bruce Troge’s Dad, Discounted ad rates available would like to join us. Have a bike to donate? See the Clair Troge. Bikes4kidsmn.org for drop-off locations. We also are See you at the General Membership Meeting, looking for volunteers who would like to help transport 7:00 p.m. on the Second Tuesday For more information, to suggest a story idea, or to advertise, and sort donated bikes. For more information, call contact the editor at 612-379-4725 or [email protected] 612-723-3279. Paid for by IBEW Local 292 • www.ibew292.org www.minneapolisunions.org March 18, 2016 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 11 Media gets final under-construction tour of new Vikings stadium MINNEAPOLIS — Officials from the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authori- ty, Mortenson Construction and the Min- nesota Vikings led the news media on a tour of the new Vikings football stadium February 16, saying it would be the last media tour before the new stadium opens in the first week of August of this year. Workers were hanging sheetrock and laying tile in some areas while other spaces appeared to be nearly finished. Plastic wrap covered many of the seats in the 66,200 seat stadium, sur- rounding the dirt-covered playing field where a few pieces of heavy equipment were at work. Gone were the large cranes that previ- ous tours found inside the stadium. Officials said work on the all-union- built stadium was 90 percent complete. “From the state’s perspective, the pur- pose for this whole thing, this investment made by the state, was to generate eco- nomic development,” noted Michele Kelm-Helgen, MSFA chair. So far, she reported, more than $1 billion in private economic development is underway nearby the new stadium. Mortenson representative Eric Grenz said 1,300 construction workers were on site February 16. The project so far had involved 3.2 million craft worker hours, he said, with 800,000-900,000 hours to go until the project was complete. View of the field from the press box area. One of the two giant digital scoreboards is visible on the top left of this photo. Two-thirds of STADIUM page 8 stadium seating had been installed by the February 16 date of this photo.

Photo above left: Sandy Salazar, Centreville, mem- ber of Laborers Local 563, working for Saint Paul- based Custom Drywall. The Photo above: The MSFA reported that the MSFA reported that stadium stadium project has met 115.63 percent of construction met 150 per- the minority workforce goal (as of October cent of the female workforce 2015). goal (as of October 2015).

Photo above right: A work- er cleans up a stairway. Photo above: Luis Diaz, Minneapolis, Photo lower right: View of member of Carpenters Local 68, installs Labor Review photos the stadium’s north exterior drywall for TRI-Construction, a minority looking towards the down- owned general construction company For more photos from this event: town Minneapolis skyline. based in north Minneapolis. facebook.com/minneapolisunions Page 12 • Minneapolis Labor Review • March 18, 2016 www.minneapolisunions.org