Members of AFSCME filled the Capitol Rotunda on March 20 to stand up for their freedom to form strong unions, negotiate a fair return on their work, and to speak up for communities. Unions are under attack and workers’ voices are being silenced through court cases and anti-worker amendments. AFSCME is fighting back through advocacy and awareness.
After the Day on the Hill Rotunda rally, AFSCME members met with senators and discussed their top issues which include protecting retirement security, retaining and training child protection workers, local control, safe staffing, transportation investment, and approving the state worker contracts.
On Wednesday, March 21 the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) held a rally at the Capitol to fight for workers, their families, and communities. One of the most important issues for MAPE members is to get their contracts passed. The legislative Subcommittee on Employee Relations (SER) recommended in early October that the Legislature reject MAPE’s and AFSCME Council 5’s 2017-19 contracts. The Republicans hold the majority in both the House and Senate and, as a result, have the majority of members on SER. The employee contract bill was heard in Senate committees this week and will hopefully be heard on the Floor soon. These hard-working men and woman deserve their fair pay.
