Not since the late 1950s and early 1960s has the American public’s approval of union labor been as high as it continues to be. For the fifth consecutive year, approval of organized labor has been in the 67% to 71% range.
The year’s Women Building Success Awards program for 2025 had two “firsts”: No. 1. They had co-winners in the Tradeswomen in Leadership category. According to board member Jenny Winkelaar, this was a “highly-debated category.” Nothing in the recommendations could sway…
Minnesota high school students participated in a welding competition held at Local 6 Pipefitters Training Center in Rochester. Several hundred more came to the facility to attend a career fair.
In early April a Hennepin County trial judge obtained the first criminal conviction for wage theft in Minnesota history. It represents a significant milestone for union trades labor in Minnesota.
Looking to help fill skilled labor shortages, Minnesota could boost support through legislative action for Building Strong Communities, a program that opens its arms to disadvantaged populations.
Construct Tomorrow’s student participation numbers continue to show high schoolers are interested in careers in the building trades.
In honor of the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, Women Building Success sponsored the Trades Games Challenge held at the Local 455 Steamfitters Pipefitters Local 455 Training Center in St. Paul.
More than 600 people feasted on 437 racks of ribs cooked at Minnesota Building Trades RibFest, an event that raises money for the Minnesota Building Trades Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee.
Moke Eaglefeathers, Cement Masons Local 633 Apprenticeship Coordinator, runs a summer camp like no other – a ten week pre-apprenticeship program just for young people from Minnesota’s Native American reservations.
Labor union approval continues to ride a crest not seen in nearly 60 years according to the latest poll released by Gallup. Seven out of 10 Americans (70%) say they have a positive view of labor unions.
Participation in Building Strong Communities (BSC), the 12-week apprenticeship preparatory program, accelerated in double digits yet again up a whopping 41% from last year.
On March 23, union plumbers from Local 34 in St. Paul, Local 15 in Minneapolis and Local 6 in Rochester took a Saturday off to volunteer their skills to help homeowners in need of their services. It was part of the 30th anniversary of Water’s Off.
