Shar Knutson, in issuing this statement knowing nothing could be further from the truth in order to prop up the line pushed by Democratic Party hacks is playing directly into the hands of the employers as this misinformation can only serve to sow confusion and further divide the working class.
Knutson's call for a pathetic miserly "increase" in the minimum wage will bring the standard of living for working people down to what it was in 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at the March on Washington, called for the Minimum Wage to become a real living wage.
Knutson has only been able to "lead" Minnesota's AFL-CIO affiliated unions to concession after concession as she stood by as American Crystal Sugar workers were locked out of their jobs for over a year with half the union membership lost.
Knutson did nothing as Minnesota Orchestra musicians were locked out of their jobs for over 16 months.
State employees had the worst contract in their history shoved down their throats under Knutson's "leadership."
Knutson has remained silent as members of the United Steelworkers employed by National Steel are swindled out of the pensions they worked their entire lives for.
And now this betrayal of Minnesota's entire working class--- $9.50 and hour for the Minimum Wage makes a mockery of justice and Knutson has stated that even $8.75 would be alright with her.
Now Knutson wants to assist the Democrats and Republicans in driving down the standard of living of workers she doesn't even represent.
Knutson is helping the Democrats shove another poverty Minimum Wage down the throats of the 90% of Minnesota workers she doesn't represent.
Knutson is trying to derail a growing militant movement insisting the Democrats implement the living Minimum Wage they promised.
Knutson is afraid that as Minnesota's unorganized workers grow more militant and united they will win a living wage for all Minnesotans the AFL-CIO has not been willing to go after for its own members... and she won't be able to collect any dues like she does from all the "paper unions" affiliated with the Minnesota AFL-CIO.
Since Knutson won't fight for a real living Minimum Wage it isn't surprising she is backing Governor Dayton's proposed bonding projects without the inclusion of Affirmative Action being enforced.
Alan L. Maki
Governor’s Jobs Bill Will Help Minnesota’s Economy to Continue Expanding
Governor Mark Dayton announced a $986 million jobs and infrastructure proposal today to keep Minnesota’s economy moving in the right direction. Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:
“Nearly every economic indicator shows that Minnesota’s economy is not only in full recovery, but growing.
Governor Dayton’s jobs and infrastructure proposal is just what Minnesota needs to continue creating family sustaining jobs and shore up the public infrastructure we all depend on. Lawmakers should follow suit in sending the Governor a similar sized bill this year.
Under Governor Dayton’s leadership, Minnesota is once again assuming its rightful place as a leader in quality of life. Now, we can do even better. By passing legislation such as a large jobs and infrastructure bill and raising the minimum wage to $9.50, we can further strengthen our economy.”
Alan L. Maki
Director of Organizing,
Midwest Casino Workers Organizing Council
58891 County Road 13
Warroad, Minnesota 56763
Phone: 218-386-2432
Cell: 651-587-5541
Primary E-mail: amaki000@centurytel.net
E-mail: alan.maki1951mn@gmail.com