Dear John,

Over the past few months we’ve been partnering with SPFE on organizing around their contract negotiations for everything from fair wages to mental health support to clean air and water and safe buildings. We must build institutions rooted in care, clear about what it takes to face current and future crises, that are hubs of support for our communities. Together, organizing alongside workers, we can build these institutions. It’s not just about showing up on the picket lines - though that’s critical, of course - but it’s about building the kind of relationship and solidarity that is constantly oriented to and agitating towards a North Star vision of people over profit, public investment over corporate greed, organizing as if our fates are tied together, because they ARE.

Building collective power and acting in solidarity is really freaking out those bosses and corporate CEOs this week, and so here’s a round-up of their playbook featuring empty threats, union busting, and tax dodging.

Here's what we're reading, watching, and listening to this week.

In their own words
Last week, Minnesota saw essential workers and community members uniting for a Week of Action, demanding better union contracts, fair pay, and green schools. This collaborative effort among diverse groups addressed not only workplace demands but also broader concerns about our future as workers, educators, and community members by leveraging expired contracts across multiple sectors to amplify their demands and achieve collective goals for the benefit of all Minnesotans.
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Educators all over the state are fed up, and all of us should be
In a move that could make even the most seasoned negotiators blush, Lakeville's educators collectively put their foot down, with 99% voting no to a tentative agreement that fell WAY short. With a jaw-dropping 97% turnout, it's clear they're not settling for anything less than what they deserve!
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Rideshare Drivers Win Big in Minneapolis
In the Minneapolis debate of whether or not rideshare drivers deserve basic protections and living wages (of course they do), Uber and Lyft pulled out their old song about threatening to leave the city. We see right through you: “Seattle and New York City have passed similar policies in recent years that increase wages for ride-hailing drivers. Uber and Lyft still operate in those cities.”
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Companies will put up big money to keep us from building collective power
“Their intention was not just to beat us; it was to destroy us.”
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Stifling workers voices
The recent ruling regarding the Quarry Home Depot employee's display of BLM messaging on a work apron is an example of the widespread issue of companies stifling employee voices. By invoking concerns about “customer comfort” and “political neutrality”, employers suppress expressions of support for movements like Black Lives Matter, despite their direct relevance to the working conditions of Black employees. This instance stresses our need for legal protections to safeguard employees' rights to advocate for social justice within their professional environments without fear of reprisal.
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Once again, corporations choose profit over people
Boehnke Waste Handling is accused in a Federal suit of subjecting South African farm workers to grueling schedules of up to 100 hours per week without overtime or hazard pay, while providing substandard, sometimes uncertified accommodations in manure handling operations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. The midwest has a heavy reliance on migrant workers to sustain agricultural operations and communities, and those workers deserve protection.
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Corporate tax accountability
A recent Pew poll reveals that 80% of Americans agree that corporations don't pay their fair share of taxes. Minnesota Representative Emma Greenman's introduced bill, HF4513, would make large corporations' state tax returns public, aiming to restore trust and transparency in a system skewed toward the wealthy and powerful, coinciding with efforts in the House Taxes Committee to address corporate power and accountability.
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It’s happening again: Mayo’s threats
Remember this thread from last May when nurses were fighting back on Mayo’s threats to leave MN over a safe staffing bill? In a historic legislative session full of wins, Nurses were left behind. Same fight, new round. Learn more about why this safe staffing bill is an obvious need for all of us. You can support the Nurses by emailing your MN Senate and House members in support of SF 4444/HF 4200, the HEAL Act.

Minnesota nurses and Healing Greed
Our nurses are rallying for a secure work environment this session, echoing the sentiments of Venessa Soldo-Jones, RN: "Minnesota nurses are not refusing you care, nurses are refusing to provide unsafe care to protect you and your family members… You should be asking questions about how you or your loved ones will be cared for when the need arises. You should be advocating for legislation to support the nurses who serve our most vulnerable—the sick and the injured."
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Our vision for the future
As we navigate the wild world of corporate shenanigans, it's crucial we turn those frustrations into fuel for our fiery quest for justice and our soaring visions of a brighter tomorrow. So, as we gear up for the battle ahead, let us know: Which of these bold visions lights up your imagination?
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PS: Last week’s digest centered on the strategy and political analysis behind the voting Uncommitted movement. You can find an shareable version of that digest here [link removed]

And that’s a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching and listening to.

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager


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