National AFL-CIO convention re-elects officers, supports single-payer health care— pages 6, 7, 12 Minneapolis Labor Review 110th Year No. 7 November 17, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO

Union families Minneapolis voters vote for change need your help Working Partnerships seeks MRLF’s endorsed candidates win 10 cash donations for our Emergency Food Program to of 13 Minneapolis City Council seats help union families in need By Steve Share, Board incumbents. this winter. Your check for Labor Review editor The Minneapolis Regional $25 can buy a union MINNEAPOLIS — In the Labor Federation, which did not highest voter turnout in a munic- award its AFL-CIO endorse- grocery store gift card. ipal election since 1993, Minne- ment in the Minneapolis May- Your donation is apolis voters voted for change or’s race, saw wins for 10 of its tax-deductible. November 7 and picked Jacob 13 endorsed Minneapolis City Frey as the city’s new Mayor. Council candidates. Send checks payable to: Voters re-elected eight of 11 All five MRLF-endorsed Working Partnerships Minneapolis City Council in- candidates for Minneapolis Park 312 Central Ave. Suite 542 cumbents who sought re-elec- Board were elected, producing a tion. new Board with a 5-4 majority Minneapolis, MN 55414 Three incumbents lost their that ran with AFL-CIO backing re-election bids— Barb Johnson (see page 5). in Ward 4, Blong Yang in Ward “Workers will be at the core Mayor-elect Frey: ‘Workers will be at core of agenda’ Labor news 5, and John Quincy in Ward 11. of the agenda,” said Mayor-elect MINNEAPOLIS — Jacob Frey, Mayor-elect of Minneapolis (photo above, left), visited the updated daily Voters elected six new mem- Frey, addressing the MRLF’s delegate meeting of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CO the day after the www.workdayminnesota.org bers to the Minneapolis Park delegate meeting November 8 in November 7 election. “I want to work with you. I want a partnership,” Frey told delegates. Board and re-elected three Park MINNEAPOLIS page 4 “Workers will be at the core of the agenda.” Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation… Follow us on facebook! Voters pass Anoka-Hennepin levies Iowa union www.facebook.com/minneapolisunions MRLF helps pass 20 of 23 levies in 12 school districts members By Steve Share, ‘In my 39 years of union Anoka-Hennepin (ISD #11) Labor Review editor In the Anoka-Hennepin vote ‘yes,’ MINNEAPOLIS — Voters work, I never have seen school district, the largest in in Minneapolis-area suburban such a well-orchestrated, the state, voters approved an stay union school districts said “yes” to operating levy with just over schools by wide margins No- collaborative effort from 66 percent voting yes and a By Mark Gruenberg, vember 7, passing school levy $249 million bond levy with PAI staff writer requests in 12 school districts. all the labor groups.’ nearly 66 percent voting yes. DES MOINES — When Io- The levies will help reduce —LeMoyne Corgard, “In this district, to go with a wa’s ruling Republican legisla- class sizes, build new schools, Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota two-thirds majority, I don’t tors jammed through a law re- rehab existing facilities, and think we’ve every passed [a quiring most of the state’s public invest in new technology to with the Building Trades, levy] with that support,” Cor- worker unions to stand for recer- enhance student learning, school parents and community gard said. “I think we had a tification — by absolute majori- among other objectives. members to pass the levies. clear, well-articulated message ty votes before they could start The Minneapolis Regional “In my 39 years of union to the voters. I felt we put out bargaining new contracts — Labor Federation, AFL-CIO work, I never have seen such a very accurate, honest informa- they expected state and local endorsed a total of 23 levies in well-orchestrated, collabora- tion so the voters could make a workers and teachers would de- 12 school districts — and tive effort from all the labor well-informed decision.” fect in droves. worked actively in targeted groups,” said LeMoyne Cor- Bloomington (ISD #271) Whoops. districts to coordinate union gard, president of Anoka-Hen- In the Bloomington school In reports posted on local activity to help levies pass. npin Education Minnesota. district, a $22.4 million oper- union websites — and picked up Only three of the ballot “From phone-banking to ating levy to continue and in- by former Deputy OSHA Ad- questions failed to pass. door-knocking to literature crease a current levy passed ministrator Jordan Barab’s Across the metro area, Ed- drops, literally going out sev- with more than 69 percent “Confined Spaces” blog — the ucation Minnesota’s local en days a week, everybody support. unions rolled to overwhelming teachers’ unions partnered contributed in many ways.” SCHOOL LEVIES page 7 wins everywhere in the state. IOWA page 4 Changing how we count our wins By Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President, nation. Overall, we chalked up wins with Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation a slate of exciting new Minneapolis Park Over the past four years, the Minneap- Board candidates, a majority of our Min- olis Regional Labor Federation has been neapolis City Council candidates, a hand- embracing a more ambitious and dynam- ful of targeted school board candidates in ic strategy where our campaigns don’t our suburbs and massive victories in al- just stop on election day. most every single education We’ve worked hard to ex- levy in our jurisdiction. pand our scope from solely We had a few losses and focusing on typical election setbacks in a handful of loca- activities. tions — including losses for a We’ve also focused our few leaders that we hold dear political work on growth, to us — but overall the mood training, supporting member is a step in the right direction. activism and building deeper More importantly, howev- solidarity within our ranks er, in several communities and with our allies. our issues became the issues As an anti-worker economic system which school board and city council can- run by the one percent comes barreling at didates were talking about. us and as our political landscape becomes In the northwest suburbs, we mobi- Minnesota’s labor media win 15 awards from more high-stakes, we clearly need a strat- lized dozens of new local leaders who are egy of deeper member engagement and willing to continue the work of turning solidarity. Anoka around into 2018 and beyond. International Labor Communications Association Now, it’s time to double-down. Also in the northwest suburbs, we We’re moving to a new model where elected champions for working people in Labor Review honored for general excellence, writing, design our organizing drives our politics, not the traditionally very red communities. ST. LOUIS — Minnesota’s labor me- n Second place for general excel- other way around. This means that our As a result of bold leadership from the dia won 15 awards in the 2017 media lence for Stepping Up, Council 5’s news- strategic decisions around elections are Building Trades and Education Minneso- contest organized by the International letter, edited by Lynette Kalsnes. rooted in growth, leadership development ta, trades members, teachers, parents, and Labor Communications Association. The Minneapolis Labor Review, pub- and real conversations about the state of community members teamed up to win The annual awards recognized excel- lished by the Minneapolis Regional La- all working people. historic investments in public education lence in labor communications efforts in bor Federation and edited by Steve Share, Come the day after an election, we no and union construction through success- print, video, and electronic media pro- won three awards: longer can count just our endorsed candi- ful levy campaigns all over the metro. duced in 2016. n Second place for a special category dates’ victories. Thank you to everybody who helped Minnesota award-winners included of writing awards — the Saul Miller We also need to measure the levels of us over the last six months, particularly to AFSCME Council 5, the Minneapolis Awards — covering the subject of collec- activism, education, and growth of our the affiliates who are helping us to devel- Labor Review newspaper, the St. Paul tive bargaining, for Steve Share’s July union members, as well as our ability to op this new vision. Union Advocate newspaper, and the Uni- 29, 2016 story, “Day four of strike: Nurs- advance a pro-worker message in our Now our sights are set on building ca- versity of Minnesota’s Labor Education es highlighted violence they suffer on communities. These things are much pacity across the diverse mosaic of our Service. job.” more difficult to measure in a technical entire seven-county jurisdiction to win The awards were presented in St. n Honorable mention for general ex- sense, but they are the building blocks we for workers in 2018 and beyond. We are Louis October 20 at an ILCA conference cellence for a print publication produced need to go on to win in the workplace, in all in this together, no matter where you preceding the national AFL-CIO conven- by local, regional or state labor federa- our city halls, and in our communities. live across the seven counties. tion. tions (November 18, 2016 and December With 2018 looming in the background, We all need to embrace the young new The labor media contest welcomes 16, 2016 issues). we knew that our program in 2017 need- leadership in the City of Minneapolis, entries from local unions, councils, re- n Honorable mention for best design ed to be scrappy. Our 2017 work needed recognizing their new energy and diversi- gional and state federations, and interna- for a print publication produced by local, to first and foremost be rooted in leader- ty as an asset that positively impacts tional unions, who compete in different regional, or state unions or labor federa- ship development to build out the team workers across our entire state. groups of similar scope and size. tions (for the November 18, 2016 issue). we will need over the next 12 months. In every community, our local elected Minnesota’s AFSCME Council 5 won The St. Paul Union Advocate, pub- We spent less money on mail and in- officials, policy initiatives and workplace two awards: lished by the St. Paul Regional Labor dependent expenditure activities and campaigns will continue to be the launch- n First place for best feature story, for Federation and edited by Michael Moore, more time and effort on volunteer recruit- ing pad to win the pivotal 2018 Gover- Lynette Kalsnes’ story “Plowing straight won two awards: ment, membership engagement, voter nor’s election, to advance a pro-union into a winter white-out: MnDOT drivers n Second place for best editorial or guides and candidate forums. agenda, and to create a future that builds brave the ice, read the snow like tea column, for Dave Kamper’s piece For 2017, this was a winning combi- prosperity for all working families. leaves.” LABOR MEDIA AWARDS page 7

Minneapolis Labor Review The Minneapolis Labor Review Newspaper — USPS 351 120 — (ISSN Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO 0274-9017) is published monthly for $10.00 per year in the United States Executive Board Since 1907 by the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, 312 Central Avenue, Suite 542, Minneapolis, MN 55414-1077. Steve Share, Editor Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President; Louise Sundin, All other countries $5.00 additional per year. Executive Vice President; Pete Lindahl, First Vice Next issue: Periodical postage paid at Minneapolis, Minnesota T S-70 W I N I T I E S AFL-CIO C President; Mike Zagaros, Second Vice President; Dan DULUTH and additional post offices. December 22, 2017 McConnell, Financial Secretary-Treasurer; Kelly Wilson, POSTMASTER send address changes to: Holiday Issue Register Clerk; Paul Mueller, Deputy Register Clerk; Deadline: Minneapolis Labor Review Newspaper, 312 Central Avenue, Suite 542, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Grace Baltich, Reading Clerk; Joyce Carlson, Recording December 6, 2017 Secretary; Tommy Bellfield, Sgt.-At-Arms; Martin Goff, Office (612) 379-4725 Fax (612) 379-1307 Aaron Hill, Russ Scherber, Mary Turner and Jigme Ugen “The rights labor has won, labor must fight to protect.” [email protected] - Trustees; Steve Buck, Carol Nieters, Judy Russell-Martin —Floyd B. Olson, Minnesota Governor, 1930-1936 www.minneapolisunions.org - At Large.

Page 2 • Minneapolis Labor Review • November 17, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Events December 5: Author will discuss landmark 1916 Iron Range strike by immigrant miners ST. PAUL — Author and documenta- tion’s, most contentious 20th-century ry filmmaker Gary Kaunonen will dis- battles between organized labor and cuss “The 1916 Iron Ore Strike” —which management. This strike had a profound rocked Minnesota’s Iron Range and be- impact on workers and immigrants and yond — Tuesday, December 5 from mining and labor relations in Minnesota 7:00– 8:00 p.m. at the Minnesota History and beyond. Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. Kaunonen is the author of Flames of Admission is free. Discontent: The 1916 Minnesota Iron On June 2, 1916, 40 mostly immi- Ore Strike (University of Minnesota grant mine workers at the St. James Mine Press, 2017). He also produced a fea- in Aurora, Minnesota, walked off the job. ture-length documentary film, “Northern Kaunonen researched how this seeming- Minnesota’s Labor Wars,” (USA, 2017, ly small labor disturbance mushroomed 73 minutes) which covers the same era. into one of the region’s, if not the na- The full film is available on YouTube. December 5: ‘Labor Movie Night’ presents drama ‘Suffragette,’ struggle for women’s right to vote ST. PAUL — The “Labor Movie 105 minutes, Rated PG-13) concentrates Night” film series at the East Side Free- on the experiences and roles of work- dom Library will screen the drama “Suf- ing-class women in the British struggle fragette” Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00 for women’s right to vote. This movie p.m. Admission is free. provides one of the most complex repre- Telling the story of the British wom- sentations of how people are transformed en’s suffrage movement of the late 19th through their participation in a social and early 20th century, the film stars struggle. View the official trailer at www. Academy Award nominees Carey Mulli- focusfeatures.com/suffragette. gan and Helena Bonham Carter and The “Labor Movie Night” series is three-time Academy Award winner Mer- co-sponsored by AFSCME Local 3800 and yl Streep. the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation. Inspired by true events and real histor- The East Side Freedom Library is lo- ical figures, “Suffragette” (U.K., 2015, cated at 1105 Greenbrier St., St. Paul. December 7: East Side Freedom Library hosts fundraiser for CTUL and ‘Raise Worker Voice’ ST. PAUL — The East Side Freedom speakers from CTUL and light refresh- Library will host a fundraiser for CTUL’s ments. The donation amount is open. “Raise Worker Voice” campaign Thurs- Peter Rachleff, co-executive director day, December 7, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. of ESFL, and Phil Sandro, Higher Educa- CTUL has been organizing low-wage tion Consortium for Urban Affairs, invite workers for ten years and is undertaking you to join them in supporting CTUL’s the “Raise Worker Voice” fundraising “Raise Worker Voice” campaign and par- Need help with grocery bills? campaign to increase the scale of its ef- ticipating in an evening of solidarity. Fare for All Express offers fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats and forts. The East Side Freedom Library is lo- The December 7 event will include cated at 1105 Greenbrier St., St. Paul. staple items. Fare for All Express packages cost $10-$30. The program is open to everyone and has NO income requirements. December 9: Vice President Joe Biden will Next delivery: speak at DFL Party’s ‘Founder’s Day’ dinner Friday, December 15, 2017 MINNEAPOLIS — Former U.S. $75, of which $50 is refundable through Vice President Joe Biden will be the fea- the state’s Political Contribution Refund 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. tured speaker at the Minnesota Demo- Program. Sponsorships also are avail- Special Holiday Package Available! cratic-Farmer-Labor Party’s 12th annual able. “Founder’s Day” dinner. Tickets are available online at dfl.org. Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 Union Hall The event will be Saturday, December For sponsorship information, contact 9, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Minneapo- Tyler Blackmon at [email protected] or 1404 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis lis Hilton, third floor ballroom, 1001 call 651-251-6390. For more information, see story page 4 or contact Marquette Ave., Minneapolis. Biden also will speak at another local Working Partnerships: 612-379-8130 ext. 112 Prices for individual tickets begin at event later that evening (see page 4). www.minneapolisunions.org November 17, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 3 Iowa: In many cases, union member More Events turnout was 100 percent for the union December 9: Vice President Joe Biden brings continued from page 1 “This sweeping victory confirms what we’ve known since the gutting of In many cases, the local turnouts collective bargaining rights in Febru- ‘American Promise’ book tour to Minneapolis were 100 percent — and 100 percent ary: That unionized employees, both MINNEAPOLIS — Former U.S. faced a health challenge which would for the union. members and non-members, value Vice President Joe Biden will bring his claim Beau’s life. Barab, a former AFSCME Safety their voice in the workplace,” he said. “American Promise” speaking tour to Political observers view the tour as and Health Director with close ties to In the Iowa State Education Asso- Minneapolis Saturday, December 9. part of Biden’s efforts to test the waters the Iowans, reported 436 out of 468 ciation video, ISEA President Wawro The event will begin at 8:00 p.m. at for a possible run for President in 2020. public-sector bargaining units voted to urged: “Vote yes to have a seat at the the Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Prior to serving as Vice President un- re-certify their unions in an 88 percent bargaining table. Vote yes for positive Ave., Minneapolis. der President Barack Obama for eight turnout. working conditions and good student Ticket prices begin at $59.50. years, Biden was elected six times to the AFSCME Council 61 President learning environments. Vote yes to Each ticket includes a copy of Biden’s U.S. Senate from Delaware. Danny Homan told Barab “100 per- send a message to district officials and new memoir, Promise Me, Dad: A Year For tickets to Biden’s Orpheum event, cent of AFSCME-covered employees legislators that educators stand togeth- of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose. The visit hennepintheatretrust.org/events. voted to retain their union.” He admit- er on important issues.” book recounts Biden’s challenges in 2014 Biden also will speak at a Minnesota ted AFSCME lost one 4-person unit, The vote was especially difficult — a year in which he served as Vice DFL Party event in Minneapolis earlier because of a voided ballot. for the ISEA locals because the state President while his son Beau Biden, that day (see page 3). Public safety worker unions aren’t labor board mailed out all the ballots required to re-certify by the new law. in plain white envelopes and recipi- The Iowa State Education Associa- ents could easily set them aside, Des December 9: TakeAction Minnesota plans tion, part of that overall total, did even Moines Area Community College his- better. Recertification won among its tory professor Lisa Ossian, a former annual post-election ‘People’s Celebration’ bargaining units, 216-4. NEA board member, told her state ST. PAUL — The progressive advo- After November 16, ticket prices are That came after effective mem- union. cacy group TakeAction Minnesota will $85 (full ticket), $65 (discounted), $25 ber-to-member meetings and a video To make sure that didn’t happen host its annual post-election “People’s (scholarship). with union President Tammy Wawro and to make sure the ballots got back Celebration” Saturday, December 9. Free on-site childcare is available. standing in front of her elementary to the state capital of Des Moines on The event will take place at St. Paul To order tickets online, or for more school explaining teachers and staff time — the teachers got only two River Centre, 175 West Kellogg Boule- information, visit takeactionmn.org. needed to “vote yes to have a seat at weeks to vote in this round — “a fac- vard, St. Paul. Union sponsors of the event include the table.” ulty leader at one of DMACC’s many The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m. Education Minnesota, Minnesota Nurses Overall, union retention beat de- campuses collected and personally with a social hour and cash bar, followed Association, and SEIU Minnesota State certification 28,448-624, with 4,043 drove her colleagues’ ballots to the by dinner at 7:00 p.m., a program at 7:45 Council. non-voters, who are counted as “no” state labor board’s offices,” Ossian re- p.m., then dessert and dancing with a live For more information, contact cele- votes, Barab reported. ported. Her bargaining unit has 361 salsa band. [email protected]. Members of another 200-plus ISEA members. The vote: 312-6 for recerti- bargaining units will go to the polls fication, with only 43 ballots not re- next year, turned. December 15: Fare for All’s $30 holiday meal Recertification requirement “Efforts to break unions usually do just one part of the new law just the opposite,” Des Moines En- package includes meat, veggies, apple pie to weaken unions glish professor Lynn LaGrone told MINNEAPOLIS — Fare For All, a packages of fresh produce and frozen The union members needed to vote ISEA. “Energy and time devoted to local non-profit food program, will sell meat with prices ranging from $10 to $30 on recertification because, in February, tearing us down might be better spent special “Holiday Packs” for $30 Friday, per package. Everyone can save up to 40 Iowa’s Republican legislative majority finding ways to solidify our common December 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 percent on their food purchases. The pro- passed and then-Governor Terry Bran- goal: Offering the best education we p,m. at the Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 gram has no income requirements and is stad signed, the anti-union measure. can to the students who rely on us.” union hall, 1404 Central Ave. NE, Min- open to everyone who is looking to save Iowa Republicans copied the an- Aided by its international union, neapolis. Each Holiday Pack includes a money. ti-worker, anti-union crusade of right- Teamsters Local 238 ran 69 state-spon- 7-9 pound spiral cut ham, a whole chick- Working Partnerships, the AFL-CIO wing Republican Governor Scott sored recertification elections for en, beef meatballs, roasted chicken community services program, hosts the Walker in next-door Wisconsin. 2,200 bargaining unit members and wings, garlic herb chicken, mixed vege- Fare for All site at the Sprinkler Fitters The recertification requirement was won 57. tables and a Dutch apple pie. hall. just one part of the bill to emasculate The losses in 12 units covered only At 38 locations, Fare For All sells For more information: fareforall.org. unions in Iowa. 44 total members. The measure severely restricted the Of the 1,888 members who voted, scope of collective bargaining, even if 1,828 voted to remain with the Team- Save the date: Minnesota AFL-CIO planning the unions won recertification. Health sters. insurance, seniority, vacations, layoffs “Given the roadblocks constructed and transfers are among the subjects by anti-union elected officials in the February 15-16 ‘Campaigns Conference’ now off the bargaining table. state, the results are overwhelmingly ST. PAUL — If you want to be en- tive and political conference” at the end Now the overwhelming votes to positive,” Teamsters International gaged in labor’s political work in the of the year to kick-off political work for re-certify put the unions in a stronger President Jim Hoffa said. “Teamster all-important 2018 elections, mark your the following year. position to bargain over everything members and staff who worked for calendar for February 15-16, 2018. Those That event is being significantly left, union leaders said. months to build solidarity and mo- are the dates for the Minnesota AFL- changed as the state federation and affili- Homan reported his AFSCME mentum across the board should be CIO’s first “Campaigns Conference.” ated unions prepare for 2018. council lost just that one small bar- proud of their efforts.” In the past, following the November Watch for the December 22, 2017 is- gaining unit and won the other 1,699. elections, the Minnesota AFL-CIO tradi- sue of the Minneapolis Labor Review for tionally has planned a two-day “legisla- additional details. Page 4 • Minneapolis Labor Review • November 17, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Minneapolis Park Board: All five of In suburbs, wins for six of nine MRLF MRLF endorsed candidates win races By Steve Share, Labor Review editor “We told the status quo that business as endorsed candidates for local offices MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis usual would not continue.” By Steve Share, Labor Review editor election with 440 votes — just 11 Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO District 2: Kale Severson MINNEAPOLIS — Six of nine votes ahead of incumbent Stanley endorsed five candidates for Minneapolis MRLF-endorsed Kale Severson won candidates endorsed by the Minneapolis Vander Kool (who was not elected). Park and Recreation Board — and all five the open District 2 Minneapolis Park Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO Reineck is a pre-K teacher and candidates won their races in the Novem- Board seat in the first round of Ranked won their races for suburban city council member of SEIU Local 284 while ber 7 elections. With all nine positions on Choice Voting. Severson received 5,089 seats and school board seats in the No- Sansevere is a member of the Minne- the Park Board up for election, the result first choice votes — nearly 57 percent of vember 7 elections. sota Newspaper Guild. is a 5-4 majority of AFL-CIO endorsed the votes cast in the two-candidate race. Anoka-Hennepin School Board Golden Valley City Council candidates. District 3: A.K. Hassan In the most significant win for la- In the race for Golden Valley City “We’re going to have a very different In the District 3 race for Minneapolis bor, MRLF-endorsed Anna Dirkswa- Council At Large, with two candidates Park Board that’s aligned with our agen- Park Board, MRLF-endorsed A.K. Has- ger won an open District 4 seat on the to be elected, MRLF-endorsed incum- da and ran on our agenda,” said MRLF san established a wide lead in first choice Anoka-Hennepin school board. bent Larry Fonnest came in second president Chelsie Glaubitz, addressing votes with more than 48 percent of the In a two-candidate race, Dirkswa- and won re-election. the MRLF delegate meeting the night af- total 14,630 votes cast in the three-candi- ger prevailed by a vote of 2,751-2,568 MRLF-endorsed Jim Ryan, an ter the election. date contest. Round two of Ranked — a winning margin of just 183 vote AFGE member, came in a distant “I’m looking forward to working with Choice Voting put Hassan over the top out of 5,377 cast (there were a handful fourth place and was not elected. the new board,” said Tony Kelly, field with nearly 53 percent of the vote. of write-in votes). St. Louis Park City Council representative for City Employees Local District 4: Jono Cowgill “Yesterday was a win for all of us as Neither of the MRLF-endorsed 363, which represents park workers. In the District 4 Minneapolis Park our communities came together and pri- candidates for St. Louis Park City “We’ve had great conversations through- Board race, MRLF-endorsed Jono Cow- oritized our kids over political parties, Council won election. out the campaign. I look forward to act- gill faced a two-way contest with former and that’s something to be proud of,” In Ward 1, MRLF-endorsed Brian ing on what we talked about.” Park Board commissioner Tom Nordyke, Dirkswager said in a Facebook post. Shekleton sought an open seat and lost At Large: Londel French who had served from 2006-2009. First- A first-time candidate, Dirkswager to Margaret Rog by 924-1,258. Three At Large Park Board positions time candidate Cowgill beat Nordyke by is a former MAPE member who has In Ward 3, MRLF-endorsed Jim were on the ballot but the MRLF en- a margin of 6,794 to 6,615 — only 179 pledged to be an advocate on the board Leuthner — a member of Carpenters dorsed just one At Large candidate: votes but enough to make Cowgill the “for students and teachers.” Local 322 — sought an open seat and Londel French. He placed third in first winner in the first round of Ranked The MRLF also endorsed two in- lost to Rachel Harris by 664-1,109. choice votes and maintained that third Choice Voting. cumbents for Anoka-Hennepin School New Brighton City Council: place position through four rounds of District 6: Brad Bourn Board. MRLF-endorsed Bill Harvey MRLF community organizer Ranked Choice Voting. In the District 6 Minneapolis Park won the District 3 contest with nearly Graeme Allen wins election After the first round, French gained Board race, MRLF-endorsed incumbent 60 percent of the vote. MRLF-en- MRLF organizer Graeme Allen 3,639 votes — substantially more than the Brad Bourn faced two challengers in his dorsed Jeff Simon District 6 ran unop- won election to an At Large seat on the number of votes picked up by either the first bid for a third term. In the first round of posed and also was re-elected. New Brighton City Council. place finisher, Latrisha Vetaw, or second Ranked Choice Voting, Bourn received Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose The race was Allen’s third run for a place finisher, incumbent Meg Forney. In 8,084 votes — almost 44 percent of the School Board council seat there — and this time he fact, the number of votes gained by French total. He led former Park Board commis- In the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose won one of the two seats up for elec- after four rounds of Ranked Choice Voting sioner Bob Fine, who received 7,491 School Board At Large races, the MRLF tion, coming in second by a comfort- was almost equal to the combined gains of votes, by a margin of 593 votes. The sec- endorsed two winning candidates: in- able margin. Vetaw and Forney. ond round of Ranked Choice Voting cumbent Bob Sansevere and first-time New Brighton is not in the MRLF’s French is a member of Minneapolis dropped the third place finisher. In the candidate Amanda Burnham Reineck. jurisdiction. Allen was endorsed by Federation of Teachers Local 59 and a second round, Fine picked up more votes Five candidates were in the race, the St. Paul Regional Labor Federa- former longtime union steward. than Bourn but Bourn still came out in with the top three vote-getters to be tion, AFSCME Council 5, St. Paul “I want to thank everybody who first place. Bourn beat Fine by 314 votes elected. Building Trades, Teamsters Joint played a part in this campaign to make out of a total 18,488 votes cast. Reineck placed second, winning Council 32, and Teamsters Local 120. sure our parks are accessible for every- Indeed, every phone call, every door election with 442 votes. Allen is a member of Teamsters one,” French commented on Facebook. knocked, every vote counts! Sansevere placed third, winning Local 120. Holiday Shopping Guide

www.minneapolisunions.org November 17, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 5 National AFL-CIO Convention AFL-CIO convention re-elects officers, supports ‘Medicare for All’ By Steve Share, Labor Review editor n A safe job; ST. LOUIS — The AFL-CIO’s national n Paid time off and flexible predict- convention met in St. Louis October 22-25, able scheduling; re-electing the federation’s leadership team n Retirement with dignity and finan- and passing resolutions calling for aid to cial security; Puerto Rico, investing in U.S. infrastruc- n Freedom to join together with ture, condemning “rising Fascism,” advo- co-workers for better wages and working cating for “Medicare for All,” creating a conditions whether in a union or not. pathway to citizenship for undocumented Significantly, in Resolution 6, the immigrants, and putting forward a “Work- AFL-CIO convention called for the Unit- ers Bill of Rights,” among other topics. ed States “to move forward toward mak- President Richard Trumka, Secre- ing health care a basic right for every- tary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, and Executive one… Our longstanding goal for Vice President Tefere Gebre faced no op- achieving this is to move expeditiously position and were re-elected to another toward a single-payer system, like Medi- four-year term of office. care for All, that provides universal cov- Trumka, the former president of the erage using a social insurance model, United Mine Workers, has led the labor Left to right: Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, President Richard Trumka and Execu- while retaining a role for workers’ health federation since 2009. tive Vice President Tefere Gebre acknowledged cheers after their re-election October plans.” Shuler, a former staff member for the 22 as leaders of the national AFL-CIO. Unlike past AFL-CIO conventions, International Brotherhood of Electrical 2017 in St. Louis did not feature a parade Workers, in 2009 became the first wom- of politicians at the podium. Instead, the an elected as the federation’s secre- convention featured rank and file workers tary-treasurer. from across the nation sharing their sto- Gebre is the former executive director ries and the importance of joining togeth- of the Orange County Labor Federation er in collective action in the workplace. in California. As a teenager, he fled vio- Stanley Rees shared his experience or- lence in his home country of Ethiopia ganizing at the Electrolux plant in Mem- and made his way to a refugee camp in phis, Tennessee, where management ran a Sudan. In 2013 Gebre became the first vigorous anti-union campaign. “The hard- immigrant, political refugee, black man est thing was convincing the young people and local labor council leader elected as a that we needed a union because they didn’t national officer of the AFL-CIO. know what a union was,” Rees said. “We The three officers addressed the con- take for granted the 40-hour week, vaca- vention after winning re-election on the tions.” After a worker-to-worker campaign, convention’s first day, commenting on a he related, Electrolux employees voted 2-1 turbulent nation and world and the chal- to join IBEW Local 474. lenges ahead for the labor movement. In recent years, the AFL-CIO has Gebre told convention delegates, ‘as placed a new emphasis on promoting di- elated as I am with this second term elect- versity and Trumka announced at the ed, you know these are tough times. Wages convention’s outset that “49 percent of are not rising… Tension is high…” ready for this fight.” the delegates at this convention are wom- “All of us or none of us — it’s not just ‘We do the work. This “No matter what we hear from the en or people of color... That’s the largest a slogan,” Genre said. Our survival de- nay-sayers, we ain’t done yet,” Trumka ever... We continue to make progress.” pends on it.” is our country. And declared. “We’ll come together. We’ll The convention’s setting in St. Louis “We are joined in work that contrib- stand together. We’ll fight together… for highlighted the stakes ahead for the Ameri- utes to something greater than our- it’s time the American an economy and a political system no can labor movement. The Missouri legisla- selves,” Shuler said. longer rigged against us.” ture passed a Right-to-Work bill earlier this “My head is spinning as the world ca- “We’re going forward to a better day for year. But a successful workers’ petition reens in unexpected turns,” she said. worker took it back.’ all working people,” Trumka said. “We do drive has blocked the bill and will put the “We’re not doing enough to get ahead of —Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President the work. This is our country. And it’s time question to Missouri voters on the Novem- change and turn it into opportunity.” the American worker took it back.” ber 2018 ballot. “I think we need to try things more and president, Trumka began his remarks with Over the four days, the convention de- After the convention adjourned, this re- take risks and not be afraid to fail,” she a tribute to his father. “My father was a life- bated and passed 56 resolutions, listened to porter visited the famous Gateway Arch in added. “We have reached a tipping point. long coal miner who knew the value of sol- workers share their stories about organiz- St. Louis, where a construction project was Just focusing on protecting what we have is idarity… I followed my father into the ing for better wages and working condi- underway. Larry VanMeter, member of La- far more dangerous than taking risks.” mines and into unionism…” tions and a voice on the job, and adopted borers Local 42, was one of the workers “We know we have a huge target on “Together we can build a ladder to a strategies for the labor movement to re- onsite. Did he know about the Missouri our backs,” Shuler said. “What are the better life and climb that ladder,” Trumka spond to the threat of anti-union legislation Right-to-Work bill? “I don’t like it,” he new ways we can make unions valuable said. at the state level and nationally. said, adding that he had helped gather sig- and indispensable?” The CEOs have people fighting for a In Resolution 1, the AFL-CIO con- natures for the petition drive to repeal the “If we demonstrate value,” Shuler place on the bottom rung of the ladder, vention adopted a call for a new “Work- bill. “I think it’s going to stay union — be- continued, we become essential and Trumka observed, and labor’s opponents ers’ Bill of Rights.” cause we’re fighting for it.” Right-to-Work becomes irrelevant be- are tough and ruthless and have deep Elements included: To view videos from the convention cause workers will want to join us.” pockets. But, he continued, “workers are n A good job with fair wages; and read the resolutions adopted, visit Elected to a third term as AFL-CIO the real power in America… We are n Quality health care; www.aflcio2017.org. Page 6 • Minneapolis Labor Review • November 17, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Photo right: AFSCME Council School levies: Voters approve 5 director Eliot Seide, who spoke from the floor of $1 billion investment statewide the convention, concluded, “the continued from page 1 Rockford (ISD #883) fundamental Rockford school district voters voted question for us — Brooklyn Center (ISD #286) to reject two levy requests: Nearly 56 and for America In the Brooklyn Center school dis- percent voted no to an operating levy and — is do we want trict, voters passed two levy requests: an just over 55 percent voted no to a nearly to have a strong operating levy passed with nearly 55 per- $4 million technology levy. labor movement? cent support and a $29.93 million con- St. Francis (ISD #15) Do we want to struction bonding request passed with A construction levy to raise $80 mil- have unions?” nearly 54 percent support. lion in the St. Francis school district Columbia Heights (ISD #13) passed with more than 52 percent voting Voters in the Columbia Heights in favor. school district voted 1,602-1,508 to re- St. Louis Park (ISD #283) ject a bonding request for $16 million to In the St. Louis Park school district, Minnesotans: State’s delegates took part in build and improve school facilities. The the two levy questions received over- measure failed to pass by 94 votes. whelming support: 85 percent voted yes Hopkins (ISD #270) to renew an operating levy while 81 per- floor debate at national AFL-CIO convention Three ballot questions in the Hopkins cent voted yes for a $100.9 million con- continued from page 12 called for developing a movement-wide school district passed with overwhelm- struction levy. strategy to make collective bargaining ing support: a $30 million bond passed Wayzata (ISD #284) helping affiliates develop internal orga- available to every worker and for focus- with nearly 78 percent support, a capital Wayzata school district voters ap- nizing programs. She also highlighted ing all the AFL-CIO’s work in backing projects levy passed with 78 percent sup- proved three ballot questions: Nearly 77 how UFCW Local 653 ran organizing affiliates’ mission “to assist working peo- port, and an operating levy passed with percent of voters supported the renewal campaigns at Minneapolis grocery food ple organizing for a better life.” 77 percent support. and increase of an operating levy; 77 per- co-ops at the same time as the city-wide Seide, who is perhaps Minnesota’s Maple Lake (ISD #881) cent of voters backed a $70 million con- grassroots campaign for the $15 munici- best labor orator, concluded: “The funda- Voters in the Maple Lake school district struction levy; 79 percent of voters pal wage. mental question for us — and for Ameri- passed an operating levy with more than 57 backed a technology levy. Mary Cathryn Ricker, formerly presi- ca — is do we want to have a strong labor percent voting yes and a technology levy dent of the St. Paul Federation of Teach- movement? Do we want to have unions? with more than 58 percent voting yes. $1 billion to be raised statewide ers and now executive vice president of Do we want to have a voice in our work- Prior Lake-Savage (ISD #719) Adding up all the levies across the the American Federation of Teachers, places? The answer to that must be a re- Prior Lake-Savage school district vot- state, voters approved a total of about $1 spoke in favor of Resolution 47, con- sounding ‘yes!’ And to do that we need to ers passed a $109.3 million construction billion for their local public schools. demning rising fascism in the U.S. She gather together in one mighty force, stra- levy with 62 percent voting in support “The results show individual Minneso- said teachers nationwide report an in- tegic, organized, resourced, and bring a and an operating levy, also with 62 per- tans are willing to spend a little more to creasing number of incidents of hate voice to workers in every workplace in cent support. give the children in their communities a speech and incidents of racism in public America — because, without it, Ameri- Richfield (ISD #280) great start, with well-trained, professional schools. “For the Muslim middle-school- can democracy won’t survive…” In the Richfield school district, voters educators and modern buildings,” said De- er who asked me if she was going to need The final day of the convention — passed an operating levy with 75 percent nise Specht, president of Education Min- to leave the country, say ‘yes’ to this res- October 25, 2017 — marked the 15th an- in favor and a $86.8 million construction nesota. “[November 7] was a good day for olution,” Ricker urged. niversary of the death of U.S. Senator levy with 75 percent support. the children in those communities.” Russell Hess, political director for the Paul Wellstone, who proudly described Minnesota Laborers, spoke in favor of himself as “a labor Senator from Minne- Resolution 55, which supported the tran- sota.” AFL-CIO president Richard Trum- Labor media awards n First place for best series, for sition to a clean energy economy, but he ka called on the convention “to stand in a “Wage Theft,” a series of stories and also strongly spoke out against the threats moment of respect for a fallen warrior, continued from page 2 videos by Barb Kucera, Howard his members have encountered from en- Paul Wellstone.” Kling, Randy Croce, and Joey Getty. vironmental protesters when working on MRLF president Chelsie Glaubtiz “Missed opportunity 50 years ago n Second place for best issues/ad- the Dakota Access Pipeline. “We have Gabiou then addressed the convention offers insight into labor’s current chal- vocacy video, for the “Wage Theft” had members physically threatened on and said, “Wellstone was a trail-blazer lenges.” video collection, by Howard Kling job sites,” he told the convention. “This for all working people in Minnesota. n Third place for best analysis, for and Randy Croce. is an emotional issue for us.” Minnesota is better today because we Michael Moore’s story “Fight for $15 n Second place for best news vid- AFSCME Council 5’s Eliot Seide built a movement around his vision for a putting upward pressure where it’s eo, for “$15/Hour – Now Voters Will spoke from the floor of the convention in better politics. As Wellstone would say, needed on wages.” Decide,” by Randy Croce. support of Resolutions 4 and 15, which ‘we all do better when we all do better.’” The University of Minnesota Labor n Third place for best news video, Education Service won eight awards: for “Minnesota Nurses Begin Open n First place for best issues advo- Ended Strike on Labor Day 2016,” by The final day of the convention — October 25, 2017 — cacy video, “APWU Fighting for Jus- Howard Kling. tice,” by Howard Kling. n Honorable mention for best marked the 15th anniversary of the death of U.S. Senator n First place for best longform vid- multimedia campaign, for the “Wage eo, “U.S. Labor Delegation to Viet- Theft” multi-media campaign, by Paul Wellstone, who proudly described himself as ‘a nam 2016: Building Solidarity and Barb Kucera, Howard Kling, Randy labor Senator from Minnesota.’ AFL-CIO president Richard Friendship,” by Howard Kling. Croce, Josh Keller, and Joey Getty. n First place for general excel- For more information about ILCA, Trumka called on the convention ‘to stand in a moment of lence, for the Workday Minnesota la- and to view some of the award-win- bor news website (workdayminnesota. ning work, visit ilcaonline.org respect for a fallen warrior, Paul Wellstone.’ org), edited by Barb Kucera. www.minneapolisunions.org November 17, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 7 Minneapolis: Three Council races won or lost by less than 250 votes continued from page 1 Minneapolis City Council, Ward 5 In a four-candidate race, eventual his fi rst public appearance as May- winner Jeremiah Ellison led the pack and or-elect. “You’re the fi rst people I’ve second place MRLF-endorsed Blong talked to,” he told MRLF delegates. Yang by 1,987-1,617 votes. Round two After a fi ve-round tally of Ranked of Ranked Choice Voting dropped the Choice Voting, Frey fi nished fi rst with 45 third and fourth place candidates, giving percent of the vote. State Representative Ellison a fi nal winning lead of 2,313 to Ray Dehn fi nished second. Incumbent 1,769 over Yang. Mayor Betsy Hodges fi nished third. Minneapolis City Council, Ward 6 Although the MRLF did not vote an One-term incumbent Abdi Warsame, AFL-CIO endorsement in the mayor’s who was MRLF-endorsed, won a three- race, several unions did vote endorse- way race in the fi rst round of Ranked ments. Choice Voting, beating second place fi n- Frey, who is fi nishing a fi rst term as isher Mohamud Noor by 3,629-3,390, a Ward 3 City Council Member, won the margin of just 239 votes. most union endorsements in his bid for Minneapolis City Council, Ward 7 Mayor. His endorsements included: MRLF-endorsed Lisa Goodman, the AFSCME Council 5, the Minneapolis incumbent, won in the fi rst round of Building and Construction Trades Coun- Get-Out-The-Vote, November 5: Union members and other volunteers prepared to head Ranked Choice Voting in a four-way cil, Laborers District Council, Operating out doorknocking for (left to right, front row) AFL-CIO endorsed Linea Palmisano race. She led second place fi nisher Janne Engineers Local 49, Painters District (Ward 13, Minneapolis City Council), Brad Bourn (District 6, Minneapolis Park Board), Flisrand 4,742-2,832. Council 82, Teamsters Local 120, Team- Londel French (At Large, Minneapolis Park Board). See Park Board story, page 5. Minneapolis City Council, Ward 8 sters Joint Council 32, and UNITE HERE In the Ward 8 City Council contest, Local 17. Building and Construction Trades Council. Minneapolis City Council, Ward 1 MRLF-endorsed Andrea Jenkins won State Representative Raymond Dehn “We’re excited that he won the race. We’re MRLF-endorsed incumbent Kevin outright in the fi rst round of Ranked was endorsed by the Minnesota Nurses looking forward to working with him as Reich faced two challengers. He led in Choice Voting with nearly 70 percent of Association in his run for Mayor. Mayor. We also appreciate his commitment fi rst choice votes and, after two rounds of the vote in a four-candidate race for the Incumbent Mayor Betsy Hodges was to building consensus and bringing people Ranked Choice Voting, he led second open seat. Incumbent Elizabeth Glidden endorsed by the SEIU Minnesota State together. Our city is too divided right now. place candidate Jillia Pessenda by a mar- did not seek re-election and endorsed Council, which also backed her run for Hopefully, Mayor Frey will be able to get gin of 4,296-4,112 — just 184 votes. Jenkins. Mayor four years ago. us all working together.” Minneapolis City Council, Ward 2 Minneapolis City Council, Ward 9 Addressing the MRLF delegate meet- Reviewing outcomes in Minneapolis MRLF-endorsed incumbent Cam In Ward 9, Alondra Cano was the ing November 8, Fry thanked his sup- City Council races, Glaubitz noted that Gordon — the lone Green Party member AFL-CIO endorsed incumbent and beat porters and acknowledged that not every- the MRLF had endorsed all 11 incum- of the City Council — ran unopposed back a challenge from former Ward 9 one in the room had backed his campaign. bents seeking re-election. “This Council and was re-elected. City Council member Gary Schiff. Cano “It doesn’t matter,” he said. “We’re had provided really great leadership for Minneapolis City Council, Ward 3 led in fi rst choice votes in the four-candi- going to really work together.” us,” she said. “When it came to passing Steve Fletcher, the AFL-CIO and date race, 999 votes ahead of Schiff. “I want to work with you. I want a the historic $15 minimum wage, we got DFL-endorsed candidate, faced a tough Round two, with the third and fourth partnership,” Frey said. “Our campaign all the council but one.” race in a four-candidate contest for this place candidates eliminated, gave Cano a was about labor, about workers, every Three MRLF-endorsed incumbents open seat (incumbent Jacob Frey ran for 2,982-1,934 lead over Schiff. step of the way.” — Barb Johnson, Blong Yang, John Mayor). First choice votes gave Socialist Schiff had been endorsed by UNITE “I’m looking forward to working with Quincy — lost. Alternative candidate Ginger Jentzen a HERE Local 17 and Teamsters Joint Jacob as a team,” MRLF president Chel- “Barb Johnson’s loss was the most lead of 3,297-2,709 over Fletcher. Jent- Council 32. sie Glaubitz Gabiou told delegates. surprising,” Glaubitz said. Johnson had zen also led Fletcher after votes were re- Minneapolis City Council, Ward 10 “As City Council Member, Jacob Fry served as City Council president since allocated in round two of Ranked Choice Incumbent Lisa Bender, who was has been very helpful in ensuring that proj- 2006. “It’s really about losing her leader- Voting. In the third and fi nal round, with MRLF-endorsed, won in the fi rst round ects in his ward were built by union con- ship,” Glaubitz said. “She could leverage the third and fourth place candidates of Ranked Choice Voting with nearly 62 struction workers,” said Dan McConnell, her network to deliver on our issues. eliminated, Fletcher came out in fi rst percent of the vote. business manager of the Minneapolis That’s a tough loss.” place with a 4,861-3,844 lead over Jent- Minneapolis City Council, Ward 11 zen. The MRLF-endorsed incumbent, Jentzen was endorsed by the CWA John Quincy, trailed the eventual winner, In this season of gratitude, Minnesota State Council, Minnesota Jeremy Schroeder,. by 3,200-3,230 fi rst we give special thanks for local Nurses Association, and United Trans- choice votes — just 30 votes! The second community businesses and residents. portation Union Minnesota Legislative round of Ranked Choice Voting, howev- We hope you enjoy a happy and healthy Board. er, dropped a third--place candidate and Minneapolis City Council, Ward 4 gave Schroeder a lead of 4,757-3,981 Thanksgiving season! MRLF-endorsed Barb Johnson, the votes over Quincy. fi ve-term incumbent, narrowly led in fi rst Minneapolis City Council, Ward 12 choice votes by 2,258-2,140 over the The MRLF-endorsed incumbent, An- eventual winner, Phillipe Cunningham. drew Johnson, won nearly 83 percent of 312 Central Avenue SE • Minneapolis In the second round of Ranked Choice fi rst choice votes, handily winning a 612-379-3222 Voting in the four-candidate race, which three-candidate race. www.ubtmn.com eliminated the third and fourth place fi n- Minneapolis City Council, Ward 13 Member FDIC ishers, Cunningham moved into fi rst MRLF-endorsed incumbent Linea place. The fi nal vote tally was Cunning- Palmisano won more than 80 percent of ham, 2,605 votes, and Johnson, 2,430 fi rst choice votes in a two-candidate race COMMUNITY BANKING IN THE HEART OF THE TWIN CITIES votes — a margin of just 175 votes. to win a second term. Page 8 • Minneapolis Labor Review • November 17, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org Local Union News Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005: In a first round of voting by members cent the first year and 2.5 percent the create Council 5. Vote planned for contract approval November 8, Dorothy Maki-Green was second year. Westmoreland says he plans to meet or strike authorization re-elected as vice president and Tommy “State employees negotiated a fair re- with leaders of every local in Council 5 As the Labor Review went to press Bellfield was re-elected as treasurer. turn on their work,” said Eliot Seide, ex- and build “a coalition of the willing.” November 10, Amalgamated Transit The top two vote-getters in the five- ecutive director of AFSCME Council 5. Westmoreland is a 32-year AFSCME Union Local 1005 was planning for a way contest for recording secretary, “Under this new contract… [o]ur wages member. Before he joined AFSCME’s November 12-13 contract vote and strike Mark Lawson and John McConnell, will and benefits are in line with the private staff, he worked as a correctional officer authorization vote. face off in a run-off election Wednesday, sector. It’s a fair deal for state workers at Stillwater Correctional Facility, where Local 1005 has been in protracted ne- December 6. Voting will take place at all and Minnesota taxpayers.” he served multiple roles in AFSCME Lo- gotiations with Metro Transit for a new worksites from 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Votes by AFSCME members and cal 600 from steward to president, served contract for the transit system’s 2,500 December 6 will also be the date for MAPE members overwhelmingly ap- on the corrections negotiations master bus operators, light rail operators, me- run-off elections for MJR Transportation proved the proposed contract. team, chaired the corrections policy chanics and other workers. Board and South Transportation Board. “We’re tired of being pawns in a po- committee and served on the Council 6 The Local 1005 executive board was In addition, a special election will be litical game where Republicans think executive board. recommending that members vote “no” taking place Wednesday, November 22 they can score points by beating up on AFSCME Local 3800: on the contract, said Local 1005 presi- for Light Rail Operators Board. Voting hardworking people,” Seide said. Union trims proposed wage increase, dent Mark Lawson, reporting to dele- will take place from 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 Workers will continue working under U of M proposes a one-year contract gates at the November 8 meeting of the p.m. at both the Blue Line and Green the terms of current agreements until the AFSCME Local 3800 and the Uni- Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation. Line light rail facilities. full legislature acts on the contracts in versity of Minnesota continue negotia- “But you don’t need to worry” about a AFSCME Council 5 and MAPE: 2018. tions over a new contract. possible transit strike over the holidays, Legislative panel rejects AFSCME Council 5: The union has trimmed its proposal Lawson said. “We’re looking at Super state worker contracts John Westmoreland named new for a 3.5 percent increase for each year of Bowl week for going out on strike.” A state legislative panel voted Octo- executive director, Eliot Seide retires a two-year agreement to 2.5 percent for For updates: minneapolisunions.org. ber 5 to reject a proposed contract cover- The board of AFSCME Council 5 has each year, according to a negotiations Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005: ing 30,000 State of Minnesota public named John Westmoreland as the organi- update on Local 3800’s website Ryan Timlin will be new president, employees. zation’s new executive director, effective The University previously had offered with run-off elections for some offices The Minnesota Legislature’s Sub- November 1. a two-year contract with a 1.5 percent in- Ryan Timlin will be the new president committee on Employee Relations (SER) Westmoreland served previously as crease the first year and zero increase in of Amalgamated Transit Union Local voted 6-4 on strict party lines, with Re- Council 5’s assistant director and north- the second year. October 24, the Univer- 1005 effective, January 1. Timlin, Min- publicans voting to reject the two-year ern field director and in other staff roles. sity proposed only a one-year contract neapolis, has been a Metro Transit bus contract for members of AFSCME and Westmoreland succeeds Eliot Seide, with a 1.5 percent wage increase. operator for 11 years. He faced no oppo- MAPE. who is retiring. The University did agree to drop a nents in seeking the president’s office. The two-year contract, which fit with- Seide has served as Council 5’s exec- sick leave proposal which the union had All other elected Local 1005 positions, in budget guidelines set by the legisla- utive director since the 2004 merger of opposed. however, drew multiple candidates. ture, would have offered raises of 2 per- three AFSCME councils in Minnesota to “The University told our committee that this was the best they would do for us for a settlement,” the Local 3800 web- Retiree Meetings site reported. The University refused a Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council: CWA Local 7200 Retirees: For more information, contact the IBEW Lo- request to schedule additional negotia- Next meeting January 18 Annual holiday luncheon December 12 cal 292 office at 612-379-1292. tion dates. The Minneapolis Regional Retiree Coun- The annual holiday luncheon for the Re- Pipefitters Local 539 Retirees: University service and maintenance cil, AFL-CIO will not meet in December. The tired Members Club of Communications ‘Fazed Out Fitters’ meet third Wednesday workers, who are members of Teamsters next meeting will be Thursday, January 18 Workers of America Local 7200 will be Tues- Pipefitters Local 539 retirees — the “Fazed Local 320, voted overwhelmingly No- from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the United La- day, December 12 at the Local 7200 hall, Out Fitters” — meet the third Wednesday of each vember 2 to authorize a strike (see be- bor Centre, 312 Central Ave., Minneapolis, 3521 E. Lake St., Minneapolis. A brief meet- month at 11:00 a.m. at Elsie’s, 729 Marshall St. low). Room 218. Lunch will be served. ing beginning at 12 noon will be followed by NE, Minneapolis. New members welcome. Boilermakers Local 647: We will validate parking at the St. Antho- lunch, which will include: deli sandwiches or Plumbers Local 15 Retirees: Members and retirees holiday ny Public Parking Ramp (at the corner of 2nd salad, veggies/chips, coffee, soda and dessert. Meet the third Tuesday of each month banquet planned December 2 St. SE and University Ave. SE), across Uni- Please bring a $10 white elephant gift, All retired Plumbers Local 15 members versity from the United Labor Centre build- wrapped, to participate in a fun interactive are invited to attend retiree meetings, continu- The holiday banquet for members and ing. Just park and when you come to the game. Please call Kathy at 763-560-5236 to ing the third Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. retirees of Boilermakers Local 647 will meeting we will give you a parking voucher. let us know you will be coming. A donation of at Elsie’s Restaurant, Bar & Bowling Center, be Saturday, December 2 at the Links at For more information about the Council, nonperishable food items for the food shelf 729 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis (corner of Northfork, 9333 Alpine Drive NW, Ram- contact Graeme Allen, community and politi- will be your payment for lunch. Marshall and 8th Ave.). For more information, sey (just one block from the Local 647 cal organizer for the Minneapolis Regional The CWA Local 7200 retirees will not contact the Local 15 office at 612-333-8601. hall). Labor Federation, at 612-321-5672 or e-mail meet in January, February, or March 2018. Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Retirees: Food will start at 6:00 p.m. [email protected]. For more information, call the CWA Local ‘Rusty Tinners’ Xmas party December 12 The event will collect toys once again ATU Local 1005 Retirees: 7200 hall at 612-722-7200. The Christmas party for Sheet Metal Work- Meet North, South, and St. Paul IBEW Local 292 Retirees: ers Local 10’s “Rusty Tinners” retirees club for Local 647’s Toys for Tots drive. Here is the schedule for the Amalgamated ‘Senior Sparkies’ meet December 12 will be Tuesday, December 12 at the Maple- Bring in a new, unwrapped toy and Transit Union Local 1005 retiree meetings: The IBEW Local 292 Retirees — “Senior wood union hall, 1681 E. Cope Ave. The event receive a raffle ticket for your donation. Minneapolis North: Second Tuesday of Sparkies”— will be meeting Tuesday, Decem- begins at 12 noon and will include a turkey For any questions, call the Boilermak- each month, 8:30 a.m., Coon Rapids VFW, ber 14 at the United Labor Centre, 312 Central dinner with all the fixings. Cost will be $15 per ers Local 647 hall in Ramsey at 763-712- 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd. (one block south of Avenue, Minneapolis, in the Guy Alexander person. RSVP to Paul Lesch, 651-433-3748. 9930. Hanson Blvd.) Conference Room (second floor). Refreshments U of M Facilities Management Carpenters Local 322: Minneapolis South: First Wednesday of will be at 12:00 noon. The meeting begins at and Maintenance Retirees: Annual holiday party December 19 each month, 8:00 a.m., VFW Post 5555, 6715 12:30 p.m. We will be having a guest speaker. Meet last Tuesday of month Carpenters Local 322’s annual holi- Lake Shore Drive, Richfield. The Retirees Club Holiday Social/Luncheon Retirees from the University of Minnesota St. Paul: Second Wednesday of each will be Wednesday, December 13, beginning at Maintenance Department meet the last Tues- day party will be Tuesday, December 19 month, 12 noon, Mattie’s, 365 N. Concord 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, 6820 St. day of each month at 10:00 a.m. for breakfast from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Carpenters St., South St. Paul. Patrick’s Lane, Edina. at Elsie’s, 729 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis. LOCAL UNION NEWS page 10 www.minneapolisunions.org November 17, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 9 More Local Union News continued from page 9 on staff as Local 17’s political director while Espinoza is staying on staff as Union Hall, 710 Olive St., St. Paul. This community organizer/business agent). will be a members-only event. Check-in Led by Mello, the slate which defeat- from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to receive a gift card ed the incumbents included: Rosa and two free drink tickets. Must be pres- Valenzuela for senior vice president; ent to receive gift card. No outside alco- Sheigh Freeberg for secretary-treasurer; hol allowed. Food will be provided by and Mewael Gebru for vice president. Famous Dave’s and bar service by Mello, a Local 17 business agent for Mancini’s. The local office will be open the past seven years, came out of UNITE until 8:00 p.m. to pay dues and purchase HERE Local 1481 in Northfield. She was apparel. RSVP by December 11 online at a rank and file member working at the tinyurl.com/HolidayParty322. Multek plant in Northfield and a shop Gas Workers Local 340: steward. Local 17 officers helped Local Donation to aid hurricane relief 1481 negotiate the smaller local’s con- Gas Workers Local 340, which rep- tract. Later, they invited Mello to join resents CenterPoint Energy workers in Local 17’s staff. Minnesota, donated $5,000 to help hurri- Linden Hills Co-op workers celebrate UFCW contract Valenzuela, a former housekeeper at cane relief efforts in Houston. The mon- MINNEAPOLIS — Workers at Linden Hills Coop, a natural foods grocery, voted overwhelmingly Septem- the Ramada Plaza, was part of Local 17’s ey will go to CenterPoint Energy em- ber 26 to ratify their first contract as members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 653. The original organizing effort there. She has ployees who were affected by the three-year contract, which began on October 1, includes raises for all employees and paid time off. An been a Local 17 member for 20 years and hurricane. overwhelming majority – 85 percent – of Linden Hills Co-op workers voted to join UFCW Local 653 in has worked 12 years on Local 17’s staff. Heat and Frost Insulators Local 34: February of this year. “By standing together and voting to approve this contract, we’ve improved our Freeberg has been on the Local 17 New apprentice class of 15 lives and jobs. We chose to do this because we’re committed to strengthening our co-op and community staff for three years. He was a “salt” at includes five women because no one deserves to be left behind or struggle alone,” said Evan Adams-Hanson, a front end floor the Radisson Blu Mall of America and Heat and Frost Insulators Local 34’s coordinator (in center of photo, holding contract ballot box). Shopping for your weekly groceries or for part of Local 17’s organizing drive there. new class of 15 apprentices includes five the holiday meals? Shop Linden Hills Co-op at 3815 Sunnyside Ave., Minneapolis. Gebru has been a Local 17 member women. for 11 years and participated in the “We’re having a lot of success with IBEW Local 292: been in contract negotiations for seven union’s Sky Chefs organizing campaigns [attracting] women and minorities,” re- Children’s Xmas Party December 2, months and the workers have been work- at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. ported Eric Houske, Local 34 apprentice Members-only party December 8 ing without a new contract for five Other members of the winning slate coordinator. He said the new group of The IBEW Local 292 Children’s months. included Betelehem Ali, Carrie Evans apprentices will put Local 34 right on Christmas Party for members’ children “The failure of the University at the and Veronica Perez Moreno for execu- track to meet its 2018 apprentice goals of and grandchildren will be Saturday, De- negotiating table cannot continue and the tive board and Desiree King, Jill Gegen, about 10 percent women and about 21 cember 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at workers and their families deserve bet- and Rosanne Kasper for trustees. percent minorities. the Minneapolis Convention Center, ter,” said Brian Aldes, secretary treasurer The challengers’ campaign featured a Houske said he does outreach work at Room 200, 1301 2nd Ave. So., Minneap- and principal officer of Teamsters Local Facebook page, “Democratic Local 17.” job fairs and programs like Construct To- olis. 320. The Facebook page said the slate was morrow. Local 292’s members-only Christmas Local 320 represents about 1,500 running on a platform of “Lower Wages But, he added, “most of the success can Party will be Friday, December 8 from University employees who are building for Leadership, Better Representation, A be attributed to our current apprentices.” 6:00-11:30 p.m. at the United Labor Cen- and grounds workers, food service work- More Transparent Union, Better Con- They’re liking their experience, he said, tre, Rooms 216-218, 312 Central Ave., ers, HVAC building mechanics, lab ani- tracts, More Community Outreach.” and “they’re referring family and friends. Minneapolis. mal attendants, and waste management The new leadership was sworn in Oc- This helps with getting good candidates.” For both events, a monetary donation workers. tober 29. to the food shelf is encouraged. As the Labor Review went to press, “What we are focusing on is represen- Operating Engineers Local 49: the two sides planned to meet with a state tation of the members, building power, Pipefitters Local 539 Metro area holiday party December 2 mediator November 27. getting members more involved in the PIPERS Operating Engineers Local 49 invites UNITE HERE Local 17: union,” Mello told the Labor Review. members and a guest to attend holiday Members reject longtime incumbents, Another goal: “Reinforce the importance Dues parties across its jurisdiction planned for elect entire slate of new leadership of in-shop stewards.” Don’t forget to pay your July–December 2017 December, January and February. Voting October 25, members of She added, “we’re focusing on new union dues! New invoices will be sent out for The Minneapolis-St. Paul area party UNITE HERE Local 17 rejected long- ways of communicating with members,” January–June 2018 soon. will be Saturday, December 2 beginning time incumbent officers and elected a including text messages and a coming at 6:00 p.m. at Envision Event Center, brand-new slate of officers, executive re-design of the Local 17 web page. Happy Holidays! 484 Inwood Ave. N. Oakdale. This event board members, and trustees to three- In addition, the new leadership is in- From Pipefitters Local 539, Happy Holidays! will be open to active and retired mem- year terms. viting all members to a “Membership New Member Initiation bers and their spouses. Christa Mello was elected president, Planning Meeting” scheduled for Initiation for new members will be January 3, 2018. Space is limited. RSVP early to 612- defeating incumbent president Nancy Wednesday, January 17 from 4:30-7:30 877-3722. Goldman. p.m. at the United Labor Centre. Website: www.pipefitters539.com For other party locations, visit www. Goldman first won election in 2005, “That’s when we’ll begin developing Pipefitters Local 539 has a website address for local49.org. leading a slate that was elected that year an action plan going forward for the members to look at information and upcoming Teamsters Local 320: without opposition. union,” Mello said. “We have a very events: www.pipefitters539.com. Members authorize strike at U of M This year’s election brought defeat for strong vision for the future and the em- Teamsters Local 320 members who Local 17’s other top three incumbent offi- powerment of our members.” work at the University of Minnesota vot- cers: Martin Goff, senior vice president; UNITE HERE Local 17 represents If you would like something added to the Pipers section of ed overwhelmingly November 2 to au- Wade Luneburg, secretary-treasurer; and 3,000-plus workers at metro area hotels, the Labor Review, call the office at (612) 379-4711. thorize a strike. Uriel Perez Espinoza, vice president. restaurants, and banquet and catering facil- Paid for by Pipefitters Local 539 • www.pipefitters539.com Local 320 and the University have (Luneburg, however, will be staying ities.

Page 10 • Minneapolis Labor Review • November 17, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org $5.00 FOR 25 WORDS An exclusive service for subscribing Union members only. Next deadline for Sell, Buy, Rent Ads: December 8. Copy Address Change? must be mailed or delivered. NO TELE- PHONE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Ads must be accompanied by payment in Subscription Instructions? SELL, BUY, RENTDEPARTMENT check or money order. Each ad must in- clude your union affiliation and your Please let us know if your address will be telephone number, along with your mail- ing label. Over 25 words — 15¢ each extra changing, if your household is receiving more word. Your ad runs in one issue only. than one Labor Review, or if you would like to This reader service is provided for Labor Review subscribing Union members who are in good standing cancel your subscription. with their locals. No commercial ads of business firms or any sidelines or hobbies of union members who are selling products or services can be advertised in these columns. For display advertising, please contact Cut out or photo-copy your mailing label from the Labor Review. Mail or deliver your ad and payment to: Sell, Buy, Rent Department, Minneapolis Labor the front page of the newspaper and mail it to us Review, 312 Central Ave., Suite 542 (Fifth Floor), Minneapolis, MN 55414. NEXT DEADLINE: DECEMBER 8. with your instructions: Attn: mailing list Wanted: Old and broken Wanted: Buying advertis- Don’t forget to cut out Minneapolis Labor Review ing-related items, one piece NOTICE outboard motors, old gas your mailing label and engines and chainsaws, also to entire collections, inter- 312 Central Ave. Suite 542 send it in with your NEXT EDITION OF engine-related items like old ests include beer, soda, li- Minneapolis, MN 55414 Sell, Buy, Rent ad! LABOR REVIEW: spark plugs, tools, gas and oil quor, tobacco, gas and oil DECEMBER 22 cans, etc. Tom, 763-785-4031. and almost anything related No phone calls, please, to report address changes, Next Ad Deadline is December 8 to advertising, older the bet- stop duplicates, or cancel your subscription. Thanks! Wanted: Guitars and amplifi- ter. Please call Garry at 763- If you didn’t use it ers made in the USA pre-1980. 546-8010 or text me pictures this past summer… USE IT OR Also interested in drums and at 763-202-9067. Sell what you some other instruments. Bob, don’t need with a 612-521-4596. LOSE IT! Snow and ice Sell, Buy, Rent ad In the era of Craig’s List, the num- Wanted: Old coins, collections, ber of ads we receive for ‘Sell, Buy, bullion, paper money, gold are coming… Rent’ has fallen steadily. By all coins, proof sets, mint sets, Clean out Coming accounts, however, these ads get etc. Anything from pennies to results. But we may no longer offer paper. Best of all, I’ll pay cash your garage Sell, Buy, Rent this advertising opportunity to La- and come to you. Please call for winter! Deadlines bor Review readers if the number Dick at 612-986-2566. of ads can’t justify the space. You Make room for your car! for 2017 get 25 words for only $5.00. Send NO TELEPHONE ORDERS Sell what you don’t need December 8 in your ad! Clean out your garage! FOR SELL, BUY, RENT Clean out your basement! Some- with an ad in the (Sell, Buy Rent deadline Advertise in the Business Directory and reach DEPARTMENT ADS body wants the stuff you’re not Sell, Buy, Rent comes two days after main nearly 55,000 union households monthly! using — and they will pay for it! WILL BE ACCEPTED. Department… Labor Review deadline) Call 612-379-4725 Are you on facebook? Minneapolis Labor Review ‘Like’ the 2017 Holiday Issue Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation… Publication Date: December 22 • News Updates • Action Alerts • Deadline: December 6

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IBEW Local Union 292 Minneapolis Electrical Workers Holidays The members-only party will be Friday, December 8 at Local 292 wishes friends and family a safe and festive 6:00 p.m. at the United Labor Centre. Holiday Season. The office will be closed on the The Retirees Christmas Party will be Wednesday, following days: Thursday, November 23 and Friday, December 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. November 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Patrick, 6820 St. Patrick’s Lane, Edina. The Christmas holidays will be observed on Friday, Condolences December 22 and Monday, December 25. Brother Richard Schwab, Jr.; Brother Jason Hoen; Holiday Parties Brother William Peltier; Brother Ronald Madaras. The Children’s Christmas Party will be Saturday, Decem- See you at the General Membership Meeting, ber 2 at 9:00 a.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center. As a reminder, the party is for members’ 7:00 p.m. on the Second Tuesday children and grandchildren. Paid for by IBEW Local 292 • www.ibew292.org www.minneapolisunions.org November 17, 2017 • Minneapolis Labor Review • Page 11 Minnesota union leaders played active role at national AFL-CIO convention

By Steve Share, Labor Review editor Photo left: Mary Turner, ST. LOUIS — The national AFL-CIO president of the Minnesota convention which met in St. Louis for Nurses Association (left) four days at the end of October included and Chelsie Glaubitz Gabi- several representatives from Minnesota, ou, president of the Minne- some who were attending their first apolis Regional Labor AFL-CIO convention and some who Federation (right). Turner: were attending what might be their last. “The fact that the national The Minnesota contingent included AFL-CIO now supports the Minnesota AFL-CIO’s top officers as ‘Medicare for All,’ which is well as representatives of area labor a solution to fix our broken councils, AFSCME, the Minnesota Nurs- health care system, I see as es Association and the Building Trades. a total victory — and well “We come together every four years worth coming to this con- at this convention,” said Bill McCarthy, vention.” president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. “It allows our central labor councils and state federations to come together and compare notes and address ways to fight off those forces that would take us down. Labor Review photos It gives me hope we will survive and For four photo albums and more than grow as a labor movement.” 110 photos from the national “I noticed there was an urgency for all AFL-CIO convention, visit of us to work together,” said Bobby facebook.com/minneapolisunions Kasper, president of the St. Paul Region- al Labor Federation. “Even though we had some differences of opinion… I think unions really have learned to com- promise with each other. I think [AFL-CIO president] Richard Trumka has a great vision to take America back.” And, Kasper added, “ we’re probably the only group that can bring the middle class back.” “I’m really excited about how much work was done to bring more of the labor movement together on the same page,” said Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, president of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Fed- eration. “The enemies we face are bigger than any one union alone.” “The thing I’m most excited about is the Future of Work [resolution],” she said. “How do we get ahead of the curve Photo above: Russell Hess, political coor- Photo above: Bill McCarthy, president of Photo above: Mary Cathryn Ricker, for- and build the labor movement and not dinator for the Minnesota Laborers, spoke the Minnesota AFL-CIO: “We come to- merly president of the St. Paul Federa- just react?” in favor of Resolution 55, which support- gether every four years at this conven- tion of Teachers and now executive vice Minnesota AFSCME Council 5 exec- ed the transition to a clean energy econo- tion. It allows our central labor councils president of the American Federation of utive director Eliot Seide was attending my, but he also spoke out against the and state federations to come together Teachers, spoke in favor of Resolution his fourth national AFL-CIO convention threats his members have encountered and compare notes and address ways to 47, condemning rising fascism in the (and possibly, his last, as he plans to re- from protesters when working on the Da- fight off those forces that would take us U.S. She said teachers nationwide report tire later this year). “I think there was a kota Access Pipeline: “We have had mem- down. It gives me hope we will survive an increasing number of incidents of hate recognition of the urgency to become bers physically threatened on job sites. and grow as a labor movement.” speech and incidents of racism in public more nimble, to become more diverse, to This is an emotional issue for us.” schools. modernize our capacity and capabilities, he said. “And I think there was an im- system, I see as a total victory — and over the country. If we’re fighting the tions and central labor council which portant recognition that we need to reach well worth coming to this convention.” same fights, often we can share facts and preceded the opening of the convention. out to diverse communities on issues of “It’s always inspiring to have that learn how to fight the same battles.” Delegates hailing from Minnesota common concern about the economy and many dedicated trade unionists in the Alfreda Daniels, community organiz- participated in the floor debate at the con- social justice.” room and hear so many fantastic stories,” er for the Minneapolis Regional Labor vention. Mary Turner, president of the Minne- said Russell Hess, political director for Federation, was attending her first Minneapolis Regional Labor Federa- sota Nurses Association, commented: the Minnesota Laborers, who was attend- AFL-CIO convention. “Most important- tion president Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou “This is the first national AFL-CIO con- ing the convention in his role as president ly, I was able to meet a lot of great peo- spoke in favor of Resolution 3, which fo- vention I’ve been to, as an alternate with of Minnesota’s Southeast Area Labor ple from the labor movement who are cused on the importance of affiliates con- National Nurses United.” She was glad Council. “It’s good to see people from all doing great work in their local unions ducting internal organizing among union to see the convention pass Resolution 6. over the country,” he added. “Sometimes and central labor councils and learn from members to increase member engage- “The fact that the National AFL-CIO it gets lonely at a labor council in south- them,” she said. Along with others from ment and develop new leadership as well now supports ‘Medicare for All,’ which east Minnesota and it’s good to know Minnesota, Daniels participated in a spe- as the role of central labor councils in is a solution to fix our broken health care people are fighting the same fights all cial session for folks from state federa- MINNESOTANS page 7 Page 12 • Minneapolis Labor Review • November 17, 2017 www.minneapolisunions.org