Local 517 represents approximately 600 exempt and non-exempt Washington County, Stillwater Library, and Cities of Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Cottage Grove and Forest Lake employees.  The Executive Board is comprised of a president, vice president, treasurer, recording secretary, two chief stewards (one representing exempt and the other non-exempt), three E-Board at large members, three trustees and a membership secretary.  All positions, with the exception of the membership secretary, are elected positions.  Elections are held every March with the trustee positions staggered.

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.

Click here for the 2012 schedule of meetings.

Click here for a list of Local 517 Stewards.

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

Click here to see a summary of legislative bills that could affect our jobs and pensions.

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 >>>