AFSCME Council 65 - Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota

Happy Labor Day! Union momentum is surging nationwide. Everywhere you look, working people are asserting their rights & insisting on a fair shake. We're empowered & emboldened, demanding dignity & respect, & claiming a seat at the table.

🏆 Each year we recognize those in our membership who have gone above and beyond to assist their local and/or the labor movement in general. We have four different awards highlighting different types of leaders. Awards are handed out at the Friday night banquet during Convention. Nominate a deserving union leader online at: https://www.afscme65.org/awards-nominate-member
Nominations are due by September 6th.

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🎬 That is a wrap on our 2024 AFSCME International Convention. Thank you to all of our Minnesota and South Dakota Delegates from both councils for an amazing convention. Special thanks to the staff from AFSCME International for their great work coordinating this massive gathering of our AFSCME family!

Day four of our AFSCME International Convention is underway! Council 65 members are ready to speak on important resolutions and amendments to our constitution.

On Day 3 of convention, our delegates spoke to resolutions and appeals on the floor, heard the report of the credentials committee and were welcomed by LA Mayor Karen Bass.

Our Council 65 delegation is demonstrating our values as frontline and fearless union leaders at our 46th AFSCME convention. Governor Walz and President Saunders energized the crowd on Day 2.

https://www.youtube.com/live/fPsRlmGR-5M?si=gH-gY6DXnjBW2YvD

Governor Tim Walz Addresses AFSCME Members | AFSCME 46th International Convention Subscribe to AFSCME on YouTube: https://afsc.me/youtubeCheck out more from AFSCME here:https://www.afscme.orghttps://twitter.com/afscmehttps://facebook.com/a...

Join us and watch as we introduce Governor Tim Walz to AFSCME members across the United State!

Governor Tim Walz Addresses AFSCME Members | AFSCME 46th International Convention Subscribe to AFSCME on YouTube: https://afsc.me/youtubeCheck out more from AFSCME here:https://www.afscme.orghttps://twitter.com/afscmehttps://facebook.com/a...

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Tim Walz is one of America's most pro-worker governors. He's signed transformational labor laws and empowered AFSCME members across the state. We know he will continue to fight for working families as Vice President. ✊💚✊💚

Local 3541 members continue on their campaign for improved working conditions & pay at Wabasha County. "We live here, and are members of this community. We know the families in Wabasha County, their extended families, and their experiences. This intimate familiarity is a unique and valuable asset when working with the kinds of complex cases we see. We can’t build these relationships with a revolving door. Our work is about trust building with our community, and if the people we serve never know if they will see the same face from one visit to the next, we can’t build that trust. We ensure the health and safety of our community’s most vulnerable, and the people we serve do better with predictability and consistency. That is a fact. We love our work, and we want to fix things. This is about the dignity and respect of the human beings we serve, and the front-line workers who do the work."
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Watch the full KIMT interview here 👇

Wabasha Social Services workers demanding better working conditions and higher pay KIMT News Three's Brandon Cote speaks with a group of social services workers in Wabasha about why they are demanding better working conditions and higher pay

Current and former members of Local 3541 staffed a booth at this weekend's Wabasha Riverboat Days to let the community know they're fighting for dignity and respect in Wabasha County Social Services. Our members know that retaining qualified staff who care deeply for community members is what drives the best outcomes for everyone served by their department. If you're a Wabasha County community member, check out the link below to learn more about the state of Wabasha County Social Services and join us in voicing your concern to the County Board. Link 👇 in the comments.

We’re marching with striking LIUNA Local 363 members demanding a fair contract from the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board as they enter the third week of their historic strike.

Reminder! Public comment for the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board's proposed minimum wages and paid holidays for nursing home staff ends today at 4:30pm! AFSCME Council 65 and other allied unions fought for the creation of this board to improve working standards for nursing home staff across Minnesota. Use the link below to voice your support for these important standards👇

Submit Comments: Nursing Home Raises In 2023, AFSCME Council 65 worked with SEIU, UFCW, and USW to improve wages and workplaces for nursing home workers. Together we created the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board in Minnesota. The first of its kind. The board has reps from nursing homes, workers, and state agencies. It will set bas...

Do you have student loan debt? Check out this new resource to help you navigate resources to help with that debt. Another resource through AFSCME Advantage benefits!

New student loan benefit available Union Plus benefits offered by the AFL-CIO's Union Privilege provides consumer savings, discounts, benefits, and education resources to active and retired labor union members.

On Tuesday, AFSCME 65 President Mark Reger administered the oath of office to our new At-Large Executive Board Member from local 1119, Lueva Karachalios.

Lueva expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said, “Advocating and service is a key part of who I am. I will do my best to make sure the voices of AFSCME members are heard across Minnesota and the Dakotas!”

Thank you Lueva!

As summer continues several AFSCME Council 65 locals are taking part in community events like parades and fairs across Minnesota & South Dakota.
Members of Local 1691-4 shared their union pride in the recent Floodwood Catfish Days parade.

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸 As we enjoy the festivities, let's remember that true independence means work-life balance, fair treatment and respect for all Americans. Wishing you a fantastic Independence Day! 🎆

Our members stand in solidarity with City Employees Local 363 as they face the possibility of a strike beginning July 4. All workers deserve respect & safety on the job- we’re supporting you 💪

Congratulations to our 2023-2024 Al Church Scholarship Winners! Thanks to our generous donors, the scholarship committee was able to award $5,500.00 in total to students of our members who are pursuing their post-secondary educational goals. Congratulations winners and good luck next semester and beyond!

To learn more about the Al Church Scholarship Program, visit: https://www.afscme65.org/al-church-scholarship-0

AFSCME Local 2439-3 members in Waterville have faced historic flooding over the last week and are serving the community in this time of need. Link to volunteer opportunities & debris drop-off locations below 👇

Great turnout last night for the AFSCME Local 2789 annual picnic. It’s important to take time to get to know one another and of course have fun!

Great work, MLPNA/Local 105! They collected toiletries at their annual convention and were able to donate them to a local women's shelter this week.

THANK YOU to the MN Licensed Practical Nurses Association for collecting this donation of needed hygiene items. We are so thankful for the community support of organizations like yours!

🚨Major Student Loan Deadline is Near🚨

Some borrowers must take action by June 30th to reduce their payments or make progress towards getting their debt forgiven. Check out this article and visit https://studentaid.gov/ to learn what’s best for you.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2024/06/21/student-loan-forgiveness-opportunity-closes-in-9-days-for-these-borrowers---key-details/

Student Loan Forgiveness Opportunity Closes In 9 Days For These Borrowers — Key Details A key Biden student loan forgiveness opportunity is winding down. And for some borrowers who must take a critical step, the window for taking action is rapidly closing.

We're celebrating even more wins for working Minnesotans ✊

Last month, AFSCME 65 member Linda McPherson participated in a virtual roundtable with Head Start staff from across the country.

https://www.afscme.org/blog/afscme-members-join-federal-roundtable-discussion-on-head-start-program?

AFSCME members join federal roundtable discussion on Head Start program Two AFSCME Head Start members took part in a roundtable with the leaders of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Looking for a change? Here is your chance! ✊

We are currently hiring for two, exciting, positions: Lead Organizer & Labor Representative (Central MN based).

Check out the full job descriptions and how to apply at: https://www.afscme65.org/about-us/council-65-job-openings