News

Update on DOC Operations and Our Work

The Department of Corrections went to the Legislature with a supplemental budget request ($18 million).

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

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. 

Stacy Lamke: Mental Health Matters!

Stacy Lamke, Vice President and Chief Steward of Local 1574 in the Brainerd area, has been actively involved in the AFSCME Mental Health Summits that Council 5 members organized and led. Her work at the Minnesotans at the Department of Human Services gives her a unique perspective into our current mental health system and the need for modernization and critical investments.

AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Julie Bleyhl calls for Bob Kroll’s immediate resignation and for us to rebuild our communities in the image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Max Hall
612-247-3725

 

AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Julie Bleyhl calls for Bob Kroll’s immediate resignation and for us to rebuild our communities in the image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

June 2, 2020 - AFSCME Council 5 joins together with the Minnesota AFL-CIO and allied unions in calling for the immediate resignation of Bob Kroll as president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis.

Solidarity, Not Division

May 30, 2020- This morning, Governor Tim Walz, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington provided an update on the arrests made in last night's protests. Inclusion, equity, fairness, morality, and justice for all are values we must always fight for.

AFSCME Statement on George Floyd Murder

AFSCME Council 5 honors the life of George Floyd and extends our deepest condolences and solidarity to the family and loved ones of George Floyd. We mourn with you and all people affected by tragedies like these. 

“The murder of George Floyd is an absolute tragedy and should never have happened. Do not become numb or blind to injustice. We must stand together with all of our neighbors and reject discrimination, hate, and prejudice in all its forms,” said AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Julie Bleyhl. 

Governor Walz and MMB to Implement State Employee Contracts!

To be clear from the top: Our state employee contracts have been declared ratified and will be implemented, along with the 2nd year 2.5% cost of living increase beginning July 1, 2020 as we fought so hard for! 

House Passes Labor Contracts; State Workers Urge the Senate to Follow Suit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE