Members of the Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha (Center of Workers United in Struggle, CTUL) rally to support retail cleaning workers and their legal fight to collect unpaid wages from big-box employers like Target and K-Mart, 2014. Used with the permission of CTUL; photographer unknown.
Demonstration, led by 15 Now Minnesota, for higher pay and better working conditions at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, December 2014. Photograph by Ginger Jentzen; used with the permission of Ginger Jentzen.
Men swinging bats and sticks during clash between striking truckers and a citizens’ army, Minneapolis, May 21, 1934. Pictured in the foreground are Basil Hurt, Merle Kerr, and Frank Vocks.
Since statehood, Minnesota workers have joined together to improve and protect their livelihoods, rights, and voices in the workplace. Labor organizations, especially unions, have stood up for members’ interests with employers. They have participated in politics to influence society for the benefit of all working people. Minnesota labor has experienced successes and setbacks, times of positive relations with businesses and government, and times of hostility. Minnesotans have been national innovators in labor strategies and organizational forms.