Republican legislators continue a barrage of amendments designed to  protect the power and privilege of the 1 percent while dividing the rest of Minnesota. AFSCME opposes these and all constitutional amendments that restrict rights or restrict revenue. Tell your legislators to keep these amendments off the ballot.  Read more >>>

All workers deserve decent wages, health care, and a secure retirement. That’s what AFSCME stands for, that’s what unions stand for, and that’s what the 99 percent stand for. Council 5 is supplying locals with winter-proof lawn signs so you can demonstrate that those are values you stand for, too. To get a sign: Contact your local union president.

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

In-home child-care providers in Minnesota have been organizing with AFSCME Council 5 for six years. Despite attacks and lawsuits from right-wing opponents, they refuse to back down. Providers are self-employed business owners, says St. Paul provider Lisa Thompson. "But we're workers, too, and we want to have a say in our livlihood." Read more >>>

Last year, a record 1,500 AFSCME members ignited a push that saved 5,000 jobs; stopped $1.5 billion more in budget cuts; and defeated attacks on our pay, pensions and health care. We'll need to fight the same attacks this year – plus a new one that threatens our very existence as a union. 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