Program Assistants at Robbinsdale Schools Join Our Union!

AFSCME Council 5 Welcomes Program Assistants at Robbinsdale Area Schools to Our Union Family

Minneapolis, MN - AFSCME Council 5 is proud to announce that the Program Assistants at Independent School District No. 281 – Robbinsdale Area Schools – are now officially union members, following a successful card check certification process conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services.

This organizing victory on behalf of nearly 120 workers is a testament to the power of solidarity and the courage of workers who came together with a shared vision: to improve their working conditions, gain respect on the job, and have a real voice in the decisions that affect their daily lives.

On June 24, 2025, AFSCME Council 5 was formally certified as the exclusive representative for all Program Assistants employed by Robbinsdale Area Schools after a majority of these workers signed authorization cards affirming their desire to unionize. This milestone was achieved through the majority verification procedure under Minnesota law—without the need for a formal election—because the organizing committee secured overwhelming support.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire organizing committee for their relentless determination, unity, and leadership throughout this campaign. Your efforts have laid the groundwork for meaningful change and set an example for public sector workers across Minnesota.

By joining AFSCME Council 5, these Program Assistants are standing up for:

  • Fair wages and benefits
  • Dignity and respect on the job
  • Safe and supportive workplaces
  • A stronger voice in shaping the future of public education

This is what union power looks like—and it’s only the beginning. We look forward to working side by side with these new members as we begin the process of negotiating their first contract. Together, we will fight for the dignity they deserve and ensure their contributions to our schools and communities are recognized and respected.

To every Program Assistant who took action, and to every worker still wondering what a union can do—this victory shows the answer: when we organize, we win.

Welcome to AFSCME Council 5. Let’s keep building power—together!