Hero pay proposal talks continue

The DFL members of the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group announced to the public today their proposal seeking to recognize more workers.

Jesslynn Phillips believes she and her coworkers are worthy to be included in the overdue bonus pay proposals Minnesota legislators have been working on. “I help hundreds of customers each shift,” said Phillips. “My customers have a positive attitude…they let me and my coworkers know how much they dislike the pandemic and how it has caused many inconveniences in their lives. My coworkers and I continue to keep Minnesotan families fed.”

“My customers see how I can turn the day or a moment around if something isn’t going right. Any my six-year-old daughter sees that at home. I’m a single mom and my daughter is too young to be vaccinated for covid, and I see how it’s changing her childhood. It’s not fair for our kids. That’s why we must be resilient with them, and I am resilient.”—Jesslynn Phillips, grocery store worker and UFCW Local 663 member

Last week, GOP members of the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group offered their proposal on how to distribute $250 million to essential workers in Minnesota.

Today, the DFL members responded alongside workers, restating their proposal that intends to be more inclusive. They estimate 667,000 workers will be eligible for a payment of $375. 

Read more about the talks at Workday Minnesota. Subscribe below to get updates.

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🎃 Happy Striketober!

• A widespread labor movement: Michael Sainato (@msainat1) reports for The Guardian on the many workers across the United States fighting for better safety, conditions, and pay.

• A potential strike in St. Paul: Frederick Melo (@FrederickMelo) from the Pioneer Press reports on public works unions rejecting their contract offer.

Frederick Melo, Reporter @FrederickMelo

Chester N., Public Works street maintenance, is ready to walk. Started May 30 1994. “It’s under the cost of living. When I started we were the top paid municipality. We should be. We’re the capital city. We’re one of the lowest paid in the metro area.”

• A new campaign: Max Nesterek (@maxnesterak) from the Minnesota Reformer on the launch of an anti-rent control campaign by union laborers, carpenters, and operating engineers alongside realtors and housing organizations.

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If you are part of the labor movement in Minnesota, click HERE to answer a few questions and give your opinions!

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Jonah Furman @JonahFurman

Struggling to do my job of talking to workers about their fights because there are simply too many fights. Calls from electricians getting interrupted by calls from hospital workers getting interrupted by telecom workers. Good problem.

I smell something wicked brewing. We are each other’s harvest.