Notables such Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, Congressman Keith Ellison and Rep. Frank Hornstein of State House District 60B attened to congratulate the workers.

In addition to music by the Fire Roast Mountain Boys, two members of the Walker Methodist Church Peace and Justice Committee entertained with a skit based on the contentious, four-year organizing experience.

Walker Methodist workers voted to join AFSCME in May 2003, but the care center\'s management challenged the workers\' choice and mounted appeal after appeal through the National Labor Relations Board. Finally, four years after the vote, the NLRB in Washington, D.C., rejected the appeal and management decided to recognize the union.

The Walker workers\' hope their next celebration will be a contract settlement.

Congressman Keith Ellison (above) and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie (below) were among those who joined workers in the celebration. Union Advocate photos

Walker Methodist workers marched around the park to the tune of classic folks songs. Union Advocate photo

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