Visitors to the Minnesota AFL-CIO booth at the State Fair could notice some subtle but dynamic changes this year as participating unions combine their activities and message.

The "House of Labor" has been a fixture at the fair for years. One change being considered would coordinate the ever-popular raffles, then take advantage of the gathered crowds by giving brief presentations about key labor issues before announcing winners.

For instance, raffle speakers might spread the word about the union advantage in wages and benefits, talk about how unions are trying to create and preserve jobs that pay living wages, highlight the disastrous effects that so-called free trade policies are having on American workers, or tell visitors how they can support organizing campaigns in the state.

Speakers would also steer visitors to individual stalls for information on how specific unions can help them, or for handouts with more details about the issues discussed.

Planners also expect to operate the booth during slightly different hours ? from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. When the booth is closed, they might hang a sign that says, in effect, ?We?re out enjoying the benefits of the 8-hour day.?

Adapted from The Union Advocate, the official newspaper of the St. Paul Trades and Labor Assembly.