The AFL-CIO is holding meetings for union members, members of their families and retirees to voice their concerns as the labor movement prepares for the 2002 elections.

One meeting, hosted by the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council, will be held in Minneapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 218 of the Minneapolis Labor Centre, 312 Central Ave. N.E.

A second meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd. It is hosted by the Duluth Central Labor Body.

The St. Croix Valley Central Labor Council will host a meeting in Stillwater on Wednesday, Feb. 27. It will start at 7 p.m. at the Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd St. in Stillwater.

The St. Paul Trades & Labor Assembly will host a “speak out” meeting Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn North, 1201 W. County Road E., Arden Hills.

All of the meetings will last about an hour, the labor federation said.

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Ray Waldron, Secretary-Treasurer Steve Hunter and members of the state federation's Executive Council and Committee on Political Education (COPE) will attend the special meetings.

According to the federation, active and retired union members and their families who attend will have an opportunity to:

• learn what issues other union members are concerned about around the state;

• tell state federation leaders what's on their minds as regards jobs and the economy; and

• share their thoughts on criteria the Minnesota AFL-CIO should use when considering candidates for endorsement.

For more information

Visit the Minnesota AFL-CIO website: http://www.mnaflcio.org