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Trade unions said workers in areas such as construction, meat processing and agriculture need protection from unscrupulous employers who cheat them out of wages and benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Legislation aimed at stopping MN employers from misclassifying workers

Minnesota lawmakers are considering a measure which would force employers to properly classify certain trade union workers and others as employees rat…

Organizations fighting wage theft said it harms affected workers and surrounding communities because the money withheld is not being circulated through the local economy. (Adobe Stock)

Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN

A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …

During the pandemic, the federal government rolled out a temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Policy experts say it helped many families temporarily escape poverty. Supporters of Minnesota's new credit hope for similar results. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Child Tax Credit aligns with economic justice efforts

With tax season winding down, efforts continue to spread the word about Minnesota's new Child Tax Credit. Outreach leaders say it's another way to …

Supporters of a Minnesota proposal say striking workers deserve the same access to jobless benefits as any other member of the workforce. Current state law offers these benefits only to workers who are

MN debates jobless benefits for striking workers

Minnesota is among the states taking a closer look at extending unemployment benefits to workers who go on strike. A bill making its way through the …

Federal policies, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are ushering in a wave of public works projects across the country. That's prompting more demand for jobs within the building and design trades, and industry leaders hope more young people take notice. (Adobe Stock)

Galvanizing efforts to prepare more builders and designers in MN

Representatives from the building and design trades will gather this weekend to showcase their professions to Minnesota youth. Organizers want to …

In a 2019 survey from the Minnesota nonprofit CTUL, 48% of respondents reported having experienced wage theft while working in the construction trades. (Adobe Stock)

MN standards program could deter wage theft in construction trades

Non-union construction workers rallied in the Twin Cities on Thursday over renewed concerns about wage theft. In the push to build more affordable …

Leaders with a hunger-fighting group in Minnesota cite several reasons why more people are visiting food shelves. They acknowledge that skyrocketing rent is likely leaving less room for other necessities, including food. (Adobe Stock)

MN food shelves increasingly nimble in light of concerning data

Food shelves across Minnesota continue to adapt to record demand, that isn't showing any immediate signs of slowing down. This month, Hunger …

The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce says Minnesota ranks 11th in the nation when measuring the growth of college degree attainment between 2010 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

College degree attainment sees uneven growth for racial groups

The U.S. has seen an increase in the percentage of adults with a college degree, helping to boost lifetime earnings. But a new report shows the …

In a newly filed civil lawsuit, the Minnesota Attorney General not only accuses Evergreen Acres Dairy of stealing workers' wages, but also unlawfully deducting rent from the paychecks of those living onsite. (Adobe Stock)

MN takes action against dairy company in major wage-theft case

Minnesota officials have announced what they call one of the largest wage-theft lawsuits in state history. The case involves a dairy operator …

Permanent rate hike cases for a trio of utility providers serving Minnesota customers are expected to stretch well into 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring scope of utility rate hike activity in MN

Temporary rate hikes sought by a handful of utilities in Minnesota are taking effect. Consumer advocates are still monitoring long-term proposals …

Rural connection gaps, through lack of infrastructure, are often cited as barriers to high-speed internet access. But experts reported being able to afford the monthly payments is another issue affecting many Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Helping low-income Minnesotans defray internet costs

Roughly 200,000 Minnesota households lack access to high-speed internet. Affordability is an issue for some, and two regions are ramping up outreach …

Minnesota's new paid leave law, scheduled to take effect in 2026, will distribute benefits through a state-operated insurance pool funded by employers and employees. (Adobe Stock)

Despite cost debate, some MN businesses intrigued by paid-leave law

Minnesota is two years away from enacting its new paid leave law and while the debate over costs has resurfaced, some in the small business community …

In a new national poll, 86% of respondents say they would purchase more

'Made in America' items try to land on more holiday gift lists

With Thanksgiving behind us, Minnesotans are shifting their attention to holiday shopping. Spurred by encouraging public polling, those who make …

According to Gallup, three in four Americans side with the United Auto Workers in their negotiations with U.S. auto companies. (Adobe Stock)

Amid organizing buzz, union membership lags, but leaders still see hope

States such as Minnesota have seen a tidal wave of union organizing amid public support to improve pay and workplace conditions. However, labor …

Los datos del censo muestran que la poblaci�n latina de Minnesota ha crecido casi un 40% desde 2010, y los defensores dicen que esto deber�a obligar al estado a tomar m�s en serio a los latinos como fuerza econ�mica, incluso para empleos bien remunerados. (Adobe Stock)

Complejidades rodean 'brecha de riqueza' Latina, a medida que se afianzan esfuerzos en MN

Un nuevo informe señala que factores como la geografía influyen en la evaluación de las diferencias de riqueza de los latinos en Estado…

UAW members are asking for 36% raises in general pay over four years, as well as the return of pension plans for new workers. (Adobe Stock)

MN labor groups rally with auto workers

Thousands of U.S. auto workers remain on strike, and the walkout is being felt in Minnesota. A rally was scheduled this morning in the Twin Cities …

While Minnesota continues to see job growth in clean energy, trade groups warn if efforts are not accelerated to add more grid capacity, projects slated for development could be stalled or canceled, potentially cutting into job gains. (Adobe Stock)

MN Part of Nationwide Burst of Clean-Energy Jobs

Federal data show much of the U.S. is seeing job growth for the clean energy sector, and Minnesota is no exception, as new regional numbers confirm …

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says last year's spike in the nation's child poverty rate is the largest increase for children dating back to 1967. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Nationwide Surge in Child Poverty, MN Mitigation Plan Takes Flight

Policy experts are reacting to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, showing the nation's child poverty rate has more than doubled, to 12%. In …

Beyond insulation and furnace repairs, programmable thermostats are part of home weatherization services to help establish more energy efficiency. (Adobe Stock)

With Winter Around the Corner, MN Enhances Weatherization Efforts

The application period is now underway for Minnesotans who'll need help with heating bills this winter. The Energy Assistance Program also paves the …

Minnesota government scientists are among the workers covered under a new two-year contract recently approved by key unions. (Adobe Stock)

Remote Work, Corrections Benefits Wins Part of MN State Employees Deal

Minnesota is phasing in new provisions for state employees as their latest contracts have been finalized. Beyond pay raises, union leaders say there …

Hunger relief experts say the pandemic made it much harder for marginalized populations to access healthy food, and federal relief grants helped some organizations address gaps. (Adobe Stock)

Relief Grants in MN Help Instill Hope in Addressing Food Insecurity

Minnesota saw a record 5.7 million people people visit food shelves last year. While there is still great concern about households not having enough …

Retail experts say the cost of electronics that students need has become a driving factor in the overall rise of school supply expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Budget Pressure, Low-Income Minnesotans Get School-Supply Relief

The average U.S. household will spend nearly $900 on back-to-school supplies this year, and in Minnesota, poverty-fighting organizations are …

This summer, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is holding recruiting events in more than 20 cities for jobs in public service. The tour stopped in Minneapolis this week. (Photo: AFSCME)

Labor Leaders: Public Service Staffs Need a Helping Hand

Trade organizations are warning worker shortages could linger for certain sectors for several more years, and to close gaps in public service…

With more federal funding coming Minnesota's way to improve broadband access, advocates said it might create more remote work opportunities for those who want to move to rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

In Rural MN, Road to Good Jobs is Paved with Broadband

Minnesota is preparing to make use of more than $650 million in federal aid to bring high-speed internet to underserved populations. Rural areas …

A year ago, inflation was at a 40-year high, but consumer costs have come down considerably since then. (Adobe Stock)

MN Rural Report Paints Different Picture of Past Inflation Spikes

New federal data show inflation is cooling off in a big way. The relief comes on the heels of a Minnesota policy report detailing how rural areas …

The National Low Income Housing Coalition said Minnesota has a shortage of nearly 104,000 affordable rental homes for its lowest-income households. Community action agencies say historic investments from the Legislature will help them meet the demand for housing aid. (Adobe Stock)

Facing High Demand, MN Digs Deep to Provide Housing Aid

The U.S. is in the midst of a housing crisis, with a shortage of affordable homes and concerns about people facing homelessness. Minnesota is using …

Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation show Minnesota has an overall high ranking for child well-being. But advocates warn that lack of access to early child education could derail outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Shines in Child Well-Being Report, But Pandemic Shows its Impact

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like Minnesota fared better in the …

Union leaders have accused U.S. rail companies of prioritizing cost-cutting, prompting safety concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Faces Pressure to Advance Rail Safety Plan

During National Safety Month, Congress is being urged to take swift action to pass the Rail Safety Act of 2023. The measure aims to prevent future …

Four years ago, Minnesota approved what was described as one of the toughest wage-theft laws in the country. But some construction union leaders say the practice is still prevalent within the industry. (Adobe Stock)

MN Adds Extra Wage Theft Protection for Construction Workers

As the summer construction season ramps up, the industry is preparing for new requirements under a pending Minnesota law change. In recent years…

For years, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been quickly targeted for cuts when Congress is at odds over spending priorities. (Adobe Stock)

MN Hunger Relief Leader: SNAP Threats Off Mark

Whether it's the recent debt ceiling negotiations or the Farm Bill debate, a key federal food assistance program is again at the mercy of budget …

As workers try to move forward from the pandemic's aftereffects, labor leaders, including the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, say protections and stronger benefits should help get their careers back on track. (Adobe Stock)

MN Session Produced 'Under-the-Radar' Victories for Workers

Minnesota legislators adopted a lot of major policies in this year's session, including actions to support workers in many different fields. State …

Over the next budget years, state aid for Minnesota public schools will increase to more than $23 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Budget Stability, Flexibility Among Highlights of MN School Funding Plan

Many Minnesota school districts say they have been walking a financial tightrope, but leaders appear to be encouraged by the new education funding …

La comunidad hispana o latina representa m�s del 6% de la poblaci�n de Minnesota y m�s del 5% de la mano de obra del estado. (Adobe Stock)

Informe: Latinos en MN, listos para convertirse en fuerza económica

En la última década, Minnesota ha experimentado un aumento del 38% en el número de residentes que se identifican como latinos o …

The Hispanic or Latino community now makes up more than 6% of Minnesota's population and more than 5% of the state's workforce. (Adobe Stock)

MN Report: Latinos Poised to Become Economic Force

Over the past decade, Minnesota has seen a 38% increase in residents who identify as Latino or Hispanic. Amid a tight labor market, a new report …

Advocates for educators say morale issues are playing into the current nationwide teacher shortage. (Adobe Stock)

MN Educators: Public Should Lend an Ear, Time to School Staff

As Teacher Appreciation Week continues, Minnesotans are reminded of the commitment educators bring to the classroom, and the message is coming from …

Minnesota is poised to join nearly a dozen other states that have paid leave programs. Minnesota's plan would not be required for employers that have their own plans bigger than the one proposed. (Adobe Stock)

MN Paid-Leave Backers: Workers, Families Closer to Crucial Benefit

Minnesotans are learning more about a statewide paid leave plan, which cleared a major legislative hurdle this week. Groups tracking the …

Postal union leaders say understaffed facilities are taking a toll on the health and safety of postal workers and the service they provide. (Adobe Stock)

Postal Employees Say They're Fighting 'Toxic' Work Environment

Today is International Workers Day, and in the U.S. postal workers say they're struggling to keep up amid staffing shortages and a work environment …

Cub Foods worker and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663 member Kris Foslien is among the Minneapolis area employees that had planned to go on strike in hopes of securing higher wages. (Mike Moen/PNS)

Grocery Workers at Popular MN Chain Reach Deal After Strike Threat

UPDATE: This story from 4/6 has been updated to reflect that a last-minute agreement was reached, averting a strike. (08:15 a.m. CST, April 7…

In 2021, 241,000 new apprentices entered the national apprenticeship system, but a new policy report says Black workers are still underrepresented. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Apprenticeship Programs Need to Improve for Black Workers

Labor leaders and various industries recently celebrated the 85th anniversary of a federal law that laid the groundwork for registered apprenticeship …

Since 2017, Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership in Minnesota has helped low-income clients train to become certified nursing assistants. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing Career Path Widens for Low-Income Minnesotans

Amid workforce issues within health care, the state of Minnesota is poised to soon roll out a nursing recruiting initiative. In the meantime…

Roughly 400,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. (Adobe Stock)

Extra SNAP Benefits Coming to an End

This month, Minnesotans receiving federal food assistance will see their final round of emergency aid prompted by the pandemic. Additional SNAP …

In a recent AARP survey of Minnesotans age 45 years and older, 90% said having enough income or savings to retire was extremely or very important to them. (Adobe Stock)

MN Looks to Reverse Trend of Disappearing Retirement Plans

This week, a Minnesota Senate committee will consider a plan supporters said would make it easier for workers at small businesses to have retirement …

The American Rescue Plan directed more than $8 billion to Minnesota as it tried to navigate the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Poverty-Fighting Groups: Pandemic Aid Helped, But Need Persists

Data continues to surface about the impact of federal pandemic relief distributed to states as the COVID crisis took shape. A Minnesota organization …

A 2021 study found in Minnesota, about 23% of the construction workforce is misclassified, or is paid off the books. It also found these workers earned 36% less in wages and benefits than others who were regularly employed. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MN's Wage-Theft Law Could See Changes for Construction Workers

Minnesota has what's been described as one of the toughest wage-theft laws in the country. But labor leaders say there still isn't much recourse for …

In addition to setting up a paid-leave program, Minnesota lawmakers are making all Minnesota workers eligible for earned sick and safe time for up to 48 hours each year. (Adobe Stock)

Paid-Leave Debate Ramps Up at MN Capitol

Paid leave remains one of the bigger issues being considered in the Minnesota Legislature this session. More testimony is expected this week…

Lumina Foundation says Minnesota's overall rate of post-secondary attainment has increased by 15 percentage points since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

MN Remains on Steady Ground for Adults with Degrees or Certificates

From declining enrollment to culture-war issues, higher education faces a range of obstacles. But in states such as Minnesota, new figures show …

Hunger-fighting groups say one in six Minnesota school children lives in a household experiencing food insecurity. (Adobe Stock)

MN Looks to Erase Hunger in Schools

Better health and educational outcomes are being touted as the potential benefits as Minnesota lawmakers discuss whether to provide free school meals …

A national report says only 48% of prime-age workers in rural communities are protected through the federal Family and Medical Leave Act because rural businesses are more likely to be small and fall outside the FMLA's coverage. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring Paid Leave Access in Rural MN

Researchers have said rural communities face a host of unique challenges, and access to paid leave is one of them. Advocates hope the needs of rural …

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MN: Livable Wages/Working Families