ACTION UPDATE

ACTION UPDATE November 20, 2018 www.afscmemn.org

AFSCME members joined hundreds of labor allies at the October 27 Labor Day of Action GOTV The list of victories for working people Kickoff at UFCW in South St. Paul before hitting doors across the Metro. in this year’s midterm goes on. At the doors, on the phones, in our workplaces Working Minnesotans are the Real and around our kitchen tables, AFSCME members played a major role in making Winners in Midterm Election those victories possible. Our solidarity November’s midterm was one of Simon was easily re-elected. , and our hard work truly paid off. the most important elections of our a former math teacher and longtime lifetimes. Our rights, our freedoms, our union activist, won her bid for State Through thousands of conversations health, safety, security and dignity were Auditor. with our neighbors, coworkers, friends all on the line. and loved ones, AFSCME members In the race for U.S. Senate, our mobilized voters and helped elect Hundreds of AFSCME members stepped candidates and Tina powerful candidates who share our up to phone bank, door knock, and Smith beat out their opponents. Both union values: health care everyone mobilize voters to elect candidates Klobuchar and Smith have been tireless can access and afford; quality public who will fight for a future where every advocates for working people. education for every kid of every race, creed and income; security, safety and Minnesotan has access to the resources, Minnesotans elected State dignity at work and in retirement; and care and opportunities we all deserve. Representative to fill living wages that allow every working Ellison’s Fifth District seat in the U.S. In the final days leading up to the family to thrive – not just survive. House. Omar will be the first Somali- election, AFSCME members came out American to serve in Congress. We in force to ramp up our GOTV efforts also successfully elected in Rochester, , Saint Cloud, (District 2), (District 3), Duluth, Brainerd and everywhere in Betty McCollum (District 4) and Collin between. Peterson (District 7) to represent On November 6, all that hard work paid working people in the U.S. House. off. Our endorsed candidates swept In local races, we proudly endorsed the statewide races. Our candidates for candidates who will stand with working Governor and Lt. Governor, people, who are committed to working and , beat out Republican across our differences to bridge gaps Jeff Johnson, who’s said he’d love to “go and bring Minnesotans together. all Scott Walker” on . We were especially thrilled to help U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, a proven elect AFSCME Local 2938 members champion for working Minnesotans, was Kelly Moller (District 42A) and Zack AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer elected as Attorney General. In the race Stephenson (District 36A) to the Elissa McBride and Council 5 president for Secretary of State, incumbent Steve Minnesota House of Representatives. Pat Guernsey knock doors for pro-worker candidates in Shoreview. One Strong, United Voice for Minnesota Workers St. Paul Workers Win $15/Hour In a major victory for low-wage workers, the St. Paul City Council unanimously approved a city ordinance mandating a $15/hour , with no penalty for tipped workers. AFSCME was part of a strong coalition of labor, community and faith organizations that spent over a year working to get the ordinance passed. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter proudly signed the new minimum wage requirements into law the same evening it was passed by the City Council. Walker Methodist Members Build Power AFSCME members, including Ramsey County attorney Rep. David Pinto from St. Paul, gather ahead of a St. Paul City Council hearing on the $15 minimum wage ordinance. through Celebration Members of Local 3532, Walker Locals Ratify schedule postings, increases to Methodist Health Center, recently Contracts the weekend shift differential and held a party honoring their longevity pay and the addition of members and emphasizing the • Local 224, City of Shorewood, layoff notice requirements. importance of continuing to build ratified a three-year contract with • Local 3851, City of Farmington, workplace solidarity. The party 3 percent raises across the board ratified a three-year contract. included presentations on growing and increased call-back pay The agreement includes 3 percent our union through the AFSCME from ten hours of straight-time across-the-board annual wage Strong program, dancing, and lots pay to twelve hours per on-call increases; vast improvements of great conversations. status. The new contract also adds to the step system; increased Pesticide License to the list of employer contributions toward compensable licenses. insurance premiums and the • Local 2454, City of Ramsey, won addition of a vacation payout a two-year contract with 2.75 option for employees. percent raises in the first year and 3 percent in the second year. Get in on the Action Action Update comes out every • Local 3481, St. Joseph’s Home two weeks for locals and activists. for Children ratified an exciting Download a copy from www. contract. The workers successfully afscmemn.org. Share news and fought to get rid of merit events by emailing Trisha.Harms@ pay. Now, all members of the afscmemn.org. Local 3532 vice president Alice Marah (right) bargaining unit will receive the presents a gift of thanks to former VP and same across-the-board wage current steward Honore Maurice. increases. The contract also includes new requirements for Mark Your Calendars

Event Date Place/details Internal organizing class Nov. 27, 9 a.m. to noon https://bit.ly/2F4DSlV

Published for activists by AFSCME Minnesota Council 5, AFL-CIO l American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees l www.afscmemn.org 300 Hardman Ave. S, South St. Paul 55075, (651) 450-4990 l 211 W. 2nd St., Duluth 55802, (218) 722-0577 l Toll-free: (800) 652-9791