Workday Magazine (https://workdaymagazine.org/2005/06/)
Based on lists drawn up by unfunded state agencies, roughly 9,200 state workers are classified as providing “non-critical, non-core” services, meaning they are now out of work. Most agencies are reduced to skeleton staffs, even in such areas as public health, workplace safety, and licensing and inspections.
Union leaders blasted Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislative leaders Thursday for refusing to stop a partial government shutdown that will throw more than 11,000 state employees out of work at midnight and jeopardize services supplied not only by the state, but also by counties and hundreds of nonprofits under state contracts.
On a 54-45 vote, the U.S. Senate Thursday night approved CAFTA, the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Opponents immediately moved to stop the measure in the House of Representatives.
With only hours remaining before a possible state government shutdown Thursday night, state workers and others held a candlelight vigil on the steps of the state Capitol.
Companies receiving city contracts or taxpayer subsidies would have to pay a “living wage” as part of the deal, under ordinances being proposed in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
A U.S. Senate vote on CAFTA is possible as early as today. Opponents had scheduled a vigil outside the offices of Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman, but cancelled it after he announced he will vote for the trade deal.
As the clock ticks down to a partial shutdown of Minnesota state government, state employees, religious leaders and other citizens urged Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislators to reach a reasonable budget compromise.
Stressing the need for labor unity in the face of an anti-worker federal government and business hostility, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and his ticket formally announced they would seek re-election to labor’s top posts.
Organizations in St. Paul kick off their campaign for a new living wage law today with a rally at Rice Park.
On perhaps the hottest day of the summer, several organizations came together Thursday to turn up the heat for a new living wage ordinance in the City of Minneapolis.