Russ Scheidler leads an AFSCME rally at the Capitol in 2009

Russ Scheidler
If there’s a big AFSCME event in Minnesota, chances are pretty good that you’ll find “Uncle Russ” Scheidler and his guitar stirring things up. Over the past decade, Scheidler has become Council 5’s unofficial troubadour. He leads conventions, rallies and demonstrations in labor anthems or sing-alongs on his own songs.

In his day job, Scheidler processes claims for MinnesotaCare, the state’s affordable health plan for low-income workers. He is a longtime steward and officer in Local 2181, where he says he’s proud to have recruited “a whole bunch of young, active stewards” to carry on the battle of “training management how to do their jobs correctly.”

“I love bringing in new stewards because they bring in excitement and good energy,” he says. “It feels good to be able to recruit and train people, and then be able to hand over the reins to them.”

Here are a few clips from Scheidler’s latest CD, “Crown Thy Good.”

• “King Tim” is an AFSCME favorite – a rousing polka about the ambitions of a recent governor.
• “Brother Can You Spare a Dime?” is his powerful version of the Depression-era classic.