May 18 is the deadline to apply for the 2012-2013 Union Leadership Program through the Labor Education Service at the University of Minnesota. The program examines the labor movement and how current and emerging leaders can take on the challenges unions face today. Participants meet for six extended sessions over nine months, beginning in September. Tuition is $1,250. For more information, application materials, and a video that features graduates from AFSCME, see the LES website.

Two divisive amendments, one state government shutdown, zero progress on issues that matter – and endless attacks on workers. It’s a good thing the Republican-controlled Legislature finally adjourned May 10 before they could do more damage. Heading into November, it’s time to build a better Legislature. Join the campaign. Read more >>>

New, union-made T-shirts featuring the Council 5 Next Wave logo now can be ordered directly from Minnesota’s own Union House. The short-sleeve, heavyweight cotton shirts come in white or gray. Individuals or locals can order them for $9.50 ($10.50 for 2XL, $11.50 for 3XL, $12.50 for 4XL, $13.50 for 5XL). You can order by email or by calling 651-462-7710.

Imagine someone who makes more money in one afternoon than you make all year. Well, that’s a typical day for CEOs in America’s biggest corporations. The AFL-CIO’s Executive Paywatch reveals that CEO pay packages in 2011 averaged $12.94 million at America’s 500 biggest corporations. That’s a raise of 36.7 percent in the past two years. CEOs now make an astounding 380 times more than the average worker. Back in 1980, CEOs made only 42 times more.

Despite bipartisan opposition, supporters of the irresponsible "Right to Work" Constitutional Amendment are trying to move the bill forward in the Minnesota Senate. They know that Minnesotans oppose this unsafe, unfair and unnecessary law, and have resorted to desperate gimmicks to try to pass it.

This bill is not what its supporters say it is. Plain and simple, this isn't a right to work; it's the right to hurt workers, our economy, and the middle class.
 

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Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee after Pres. Obama’s State of the Union address Read more >>>

As Union members we need to support other workers in their hard struggles. The Sugar workers in Moorhead have been locked out and scabs are working across their picket lines. Standing united we can show our support to stand those picket lines alongside them. Read more >>>

This email letter that was released to all Judicial Branch employees is just the reminder that we needed to boost solidarity in our Local. See by letting all know that the unrepresented are taking a wage freeze, for us to negotiate for steps or cost of living raises, the employer is hoping that we will just follow suit. Also it is the attempt of the Employer to divide the unrepresented and represented, and simple reason is so they stay unrepresented. The larger we cover the Judicial Branch being represented employees, the less power they have to "tell us how things are going to be." This is perfect example why we should be uniting our Local to show the Judicial Branch that we are watching. This is not going to back us down from continuing to organize within our own Local and beyond in the Judicial Branch. If you would like to sign a card and become a full member as we are turning the corner into negotiations to show the employer we have definite power in numbers please contact your local steward. United we bargain, divided we beg! As the Employer stated in the email, there reason is to save jobs...that is there scare tactic for people to lay down and just agree. "If you are not at the Table, you are on the menu." Why we bargain and negotiate!

Most Minnesotans continue to pay more in state and local taxes so the rich can pay less, according to the newest Tax Incidence Study from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Most Minnesotans pay more than 12 percent; millionaires pay less than 10 percent. Read more >>>

This article explains the day in the life of a Volunteer Member Organizer (VMO).  What we have in our contract is far from what other's experience at their jobs.   Things like holidays, time off accumulation, lay-off language, and job security are just a few of the particulars that other's do not have.  These opportunities are available to any member that is willing to step up and become more active.  This article is taken out of the current March Stepping Up magazine distributed by AFSCME Council 5. 

By: Sabrina Becker