News

Important Membership Convention Update

The member-led Convention Planning Committee unanimously recommended to the AFSCME Council 5 Executive Board that we move to a virtual convention over a 2-day period (Thursday, Sept.

Statement on Employer Policies Regarding Vaccinations and Testing

AFSCME Council 5 Statement on Employer Policies Regarding Vaccinations and Testing

AFSCME State Employees Reach Tentative Agreement!

Your AFSCME Council 5 state employees master contract negotiations team worked countless hours and many long nights and early mornings has reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) with the State of Minne

AFSCME Council 5 Secures Major Victory in District Court

South St. Paul - AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Julie Bleyhl issued the following statement after the Ramsey County District Court dismissed Republican lawmakers’ lawsuit to invalidate the union contracts of thousands of state employees.

2021 Regular Session and Special Session Analysis

We first want to thank all of our members who made calls and sent countless emails to elected officials, took to social media, participated in our press conferences and more to fight for our legislative priorities during the 2021 legislative session - We were able to secure many victories through our collective diligence, activism, and solidarity!

Union Members Lead the Fight to Invest in Our Country's Infrastructure

For decades, infrastructure in Minnesota has suffered from chronic underinvestment. The need for action is clear: Minnesota’s infrastructure received a C grade on its Infrastructure Report Card according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. The American Jobs Plan will make a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure.

Public Statements

AFSCME Council 5 Calls on Lawmakers to Modernize Tax Code

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Front Line Workers Say "Get Vaccinated"

Front-Line Workers Say to Get Vaccinated!

Front line workers, those who can only conduct their work in-person, and all public employees have borne a signifcant share of the burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. For over one year, they have served our state bravely as COVID swept through prisons, offices, group homes, and in many cases workers brought the virus home to their families. 

2021 Day on the Hill Member Stories

AFSCME Council 5 held its first ever virtual Day on the Hill on March 9, 2021. With hundreds of dedicated Council 5 members, Council 5 Executive Director Julie Bleyhl and President Eric Hesse, and special guests including President Lee Saunders and Governor Tim Walz in attendance, our members were fired up and ready to talk about our shared values and legislative priorities. Our members held over 150 meetings with legislators and during our plenary session, we heard directly from some of our members who are working to put a face to our priorities at the legislature.

One step closer to our new future

Council 5 Executive Director Julie Bleyhl released the following statement after the Passage of the American Rescue Plan: