News

Juneteenth and Our Path Ahead

Today, we gather to celebrate Juneteenth, a day that holds profound significance in the history of our nation.

Rick Scott Political Activism Award: AFSCME Council 5 Corrections Policy Committee

2020 Rick Scott Political Activism Award

The Rick Scott Political Activism Award is presented each year to an individual member, a local union, or a group of members or local unions in recognition of outstanding work in electoral, legislative and other political activity on behalf of our union. This years' award was presented to AFSCME Council 5's Corrections Policy Committee (CPC). 

Jerry Wurf Organizing Award: Minnesotans For Better Mental Health Care

2020 Jerry Wurf Organizing Award

The Jerry Wurf Organizing Award is given each year to an individual member, local, or group of workers who work tirelessly and effectively at organizing, empowering workers, and growing our union. Jerry Wurf, after whom the award is named, got his start in the labor movement picking up jobs in New York City cafeterias and organizing his co-workers to form a union.

The True Cost of Closing Togo and Willow River CIP

Matt Stone has been a Correctional Officer at MCF-Togo since 2012 and once he received an offer to use his leadership skills and background in the outdoors at the Minnesota Department of Corrections, he gladly accepted the position and moved his wife and 1-year old adopted son up north.

Update on DOC Operations and Our Work

The Department of Corrections went to the Legislature with a supplemental budget request ($18 million). This request would have addressed a structural shortfall in funding at the Department of Corrections and was a top legislative priority for AFSCME Council 5. 

The MN House of Representatives passed legislation which included additional DOC funding. Ultimately, the MN Senate did not pass this funding and a deficit has accumulated at an unsustainable rate since. 

AFSCME Council 5 Opposes Proposed Plan to Close DOC Facilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Max Hall

612-247-3725

[email protected]

August 3, 2020

AFSCME Council 5 Opposes Proposed Plan to Close DOC Facilities

AFSCME Council 5 Supports Call for Statewide Mask Policy

July 14, 2020
 
In recent days, the Minnesota Department of Health has reported a large spike in positive COVID-19 cases, specifically over 800 new cases in a 24-hour period, the greatest daily spike we have seen in roughly 7 weeks. 23 states as well as city councils and mayors around our state are instituting mandatory mask policies for residents to adhere to in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Have you filled out your Census yet?

The US Census is underway, and the stakes could not be higher for AFSCME members and the communities we serve.

Most people have heard about the 2020 Census, but fewer people know why participating in the once-a-decade population count is important. 

Here’s what you need to know:

AFSCME Letter to Governor Walz on Extended Peacetime Emergency Powers

AFSCME Letter to Governor Walz on Extended Peacetime Emergency Powers

June 10, 2020

Honorable Governor Tim Walz,

On behalf of the 43,000 members of AFSCME Council 5, we want to extend a heartfelt “thank you” for your decisive actions and those of your Administration as we work together to improve the lives of Minnesotans, make our communities safe and healthy, and ensure that working people are truly heard. You have made sure that labor unions and other stakeholders are at the decision-making table and we look forward to our continued partnership.