Solidarity is focus of Minnesota Union Women’s Retreat

Held at Ruttger\’s Bay Lake Lodge and Conference Center near Brainerd, the retreat provided an opportunity for women workers from across the state to learn, share and network under the theme, "Raising Women\’s Voices for Solidarity." The event was organized by the Labor Education Service at the University of Minnesota.

At the opening session, LES staff members Mary Bellman, Sharice McCain and Barb Kucera welcomed participants, then Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson spoke on the importance of woman taking leadership.

Sohely Rua Castaneda, the Secretary of Women and Labor at the National Union School in Colombia, put current struggles in perspective as she described the challenges facing women workers in Colombia. Many women there are trapped in low-wage jobs with little opportunity to improve their conditions. As they organize through unions, support from women in other countries is critical, Rua Castaneda said.

"The energy of women together to me means hope," she said.

The closing session featured Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, who spoke and engaged in a lively question-and-answer session with participants via Skype. Lewis described the lessons of leadership that underpin her union\’s efforts to defend public education.

Before deciding on an action, ask three questions, Lewis recommended. "Does it unify us? Does it make us stronger? Does it help us build power?"

During the three days of the retreat, participants took part in workshops on becoming active, organizing and mobilizing, public speaking, bargaining for family-friendly policies and engaging younger workers.

A general session on public policies that affect women featured Alison Griffin of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota and Kenza Hadj-Moussa of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless.

At another general session panel, three union members spoke about current campaigns. Cat Salonek of Occupy Homes described the battle to fight home foreclosures, Karen Urman of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota discussed the current organizing campaign by home health workers and Renita Whicker of SEIU Local 26 reviewed the recent Unlock Our Future campaign.

Several participants also convened "open space" meetings to discuss topics such as labor history and the attacks on the U.S. Postal Service. A cultural night, coordinated by Nellie Munn of the Minnesota Nurses Association, provided an opportunity for women to showcase their stories and talents.

The Labor Education Service offers the Minnesota Union Women\’s Retreat as part of an on-going series of opportunities for working women to enhance their leadership skills and network on issues important to them.

Learn more and view photos at the LES website and on the Minnesota Union Women\’s Retreat Facebook page, (www.facebook.com/MnUnionWomensRetreat).