AFSCME Council 65 - Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota

06/17/2026

It's Global Garbage Collectors Day!

Bill says you don't think much about the garbage man until the garbage man doesn't pick up your garbage. AFSCME thinks about these dedicated public service workers a lot more than that.

Thank you to the workers that keep our communities clean and safe.

06/17/2026

Congratulations to Matt Alstead, Itasca County worker with Local 580, on winning the Gerald W. McEntee Scholarship. This is a $5,000 AFSCME International scholarship created in honor of former AFSCME Pres. Jerry McEntee awarded annually to an AFSCME member for use towards higher education.

Matt is currently a member of his Local Executive Board and has served as a steward, chief steward, negotiating committee member, and coalition bargaining leader. In his essay submitted for the scholarship application, Matt said, "I have learned that organizing is not simply about mobilization during negotiation, but about sustained engagement that builds trust and participation." He's a true Union leader that goes above and beyond for his coworkers and his Union.

You can apply for the Gerald W. McEntee Scholarship and other Union scholarships at the end of June here: https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/education/union-plus-scholarships?union=AFSCME

06/16/2026

From healthcare, education and mining workers to professional athletes, actors and production staff, labor power took center stage in Minneapolis last week as delegates, alternates, and guests gathered from June 6-10 for the 30th AFL-CIO Convention.

For AFSCME Council 65, the convention was a powerful reminder that we are part of a massive, resilient movement. Thank you to our staff delegates and volunteers for stepping up and representing Council 65 with pride!

Read the full story here: https://afscme65.org/news/afl-cio-convention-minneapolis

06/12/2026

A big change is coming to Minnesota's healthcare environment. We need AFSCME Members to be a part of that change.

Join Allina workers, nurses and community members to talk about what the proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health means for our communities and healthcare. All are welcome!

When: June 23, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Where: Owatonna High School - Foundation Room - 1455 SE 18th St. Owatonna, MN

RSVP Here: afscme65.org/calendar/community-forum-allina-sutter
More on the acquisition: afscme65.org/news/patients-and-workers-over

06/11/2026

When we fight, we win!

One was accused of racial and sexual harassment and bringing a gun to Kitchigami Regional Library System headquarters.

06/10/2026

On this day in 1963, the Equal Pay Act was signed into law prohibiting sex-based wage discrimination performing equal work in the same workplace. Now, this didn't stop the discrimination in its tracks, but it was certainly a step in the right direction.

At present, the best way for women to earn more is to join a Union! Unionized women earn over 20% higher wages than their non-union counterparts. Thank you to the dedicated workers that fight pay discrimination every day. ✊

06/09/2026

This year marks the 90th anniversary of AFSCME. That’s nine decades of public service workers coming together to collectively bargain for fairness and dignity at work.

From the 1930s to today, AFSCME members have fought, organized and won for working people. And our story is still being written. Learn more at www.afscme90th.org

06/05/2026

We need affordable childcare now!

AFSCME Members in Brainerd, MN, gathered to advocate for affordable childcare and call out Rep. Pete Stauber on his votes to raise the cost of living for working families.

06/02/2026

Back in March, Kitchigami Regional Library System workers with AFSCME Local 210-13 submitted a 545-signature petition to the Library Board making the following requests:

1. Terminate the employment of Technical Services Manager Tami Beto.
2. Remove or place Director Melissa Whatley on probation.
3. Establish clear accountability measures to ensure ethical leadership, safe workplaces, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

In a victory for workers, accountability, and trust, the Board voted at its most recent meeting to terminate both Beto and Whatley. Following the leadership changes, the board voted unanimously to approve a new union contract that delivers major wins for the library’s dedicated staff.

This is what happens when workers stand in solidarity. KRLS is a vital public institution, and it will now be led into the future with the transparency, respect, and dignity that both its workers and the community deserve.

Full article in comments!

06/01/2026

The strongest protections for all working people are found in a union contract! Happy Pride Month

Everyone deserves to take pride in the work they do and the lives they lead. That’s why we support LGBTQ+ workers’ rights and advocate for a more equitable workplace. Happy Pride Month from AFSCME! 🏳️‍🌈