May 18 is the deadline to apply for the 2012-2013 Union Leadership Program through the Labor Education Service at the University of Minnesota. The program examines the labor movement and how current and emerging leaders can take on the challenges unions face today. Participants meet for six extended sessions over nine months, beginning in September. Tuition is $1,250. For more information, application materials, and a video that features graduates from AFSCME, see the LES website.

Two divisive amendments, one state government shutdown, zero progress on issues that matter – and endless attacks on workers. It’s a good thing the Republican-controlled Legislature finally adjourned May 10 before they could do more damage. Heading into November, it’s time to build a better Legislature. Join the campaign. Read more >>>

New, union-made T-shirts featuring the Council 5 Next Wave logo now can be ordered directly from Minnesota’s own Union House. The short-sleeve, heavyweight cotton shirts come in white or gray. Individuals or locals can order them for $9.50 ($10.50 for 2XL, $11.50 for 3XL, $12.50 for 4XL, $13.50 for 5XL). You can order by email or by calling 651-462-7710.

Imagine someone who makes more money in one afternoon than you make all year. Well, that’s a typical day for CEOs in America’s biggest corporations. The AFL-CIO’s Executive Paywatch reveals that CEO pay packages in 2011 averaged $12.94 million at America’s 500 biggest corporations. That’s a raise of 36.7 percent in the past two years. CEOs now make an astounding 380 times more than the average worker. Back in 1980, CEOs made only 42 times more.

Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee after Pres. Obama’s State of the Union address Read more >>>

Second Annual Next Up Young Workers Summit, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2011

Council 5 is housing a food bank for laid-off members at our South St. Paul office. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays. The motto: Leave what you can, take what you need. Donations are being accepted for non-perishable food (including canned and boxed goods), paper products, diapers and personal care products. Also, Fare for All distributes fresh food at steep discounts in 28 Minnesota counties. You choose among food packages that work best for you, but you pay 30-50 percent less than retail.

I spoke with Amy Johnson and she said they aren't accepting cash donations, but would accept gift cards to grocery stores or Target.  You can send them to:

AFSCME Council 5
Attn: Food Bank
300 Hardman Avenue So,
South St Paul, MN 55075

I think any Bob Dylan fans will enjoy this.  I know I did.
My friend Cheryl wrote this little ditty. She's feeling our pain all the way from Baltimore, MD.

-Heather

Most Minnesotans continue to pay more in state and local taxes so the rich can pay less, according to the newest Tax Incidence Study from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Most Minnesotans pay more than 12 percent; millionaires pay less than 10 percent. Read more >>>

Former labor secretary Robert Reich shreds the lies and hypocrisy of the right wing's relentless scapegoating of public workers. And he explains the truth about the economy -- in 2 minutes, 15 seconds.