Submit photos for 100-year history book
Our 100-year anniversary is coming up on June 10, 2027, and we’re working to produce a history book telling the story of Local 49’s first century! We’re asking members and…
Learn More
Steward training is Sept. 30, 2026
Stewards play a critical role in helping the union operate efficiently and effectively. Current stewards, members interested in becoming stewards, and members interested in understanding the role of stewards are…
Learn More
Members welcome on 2026 fall trail ride
Local 49 members are invited to a guided fall trail ride in Danbury, WI, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. The event is free to participate, but you must bring/rent your own…
Learn More
Walz order on mining is a broken promise
Local 49 Business Manager Ryan Davies released the following statement on Gov. Tim Walz’s Aug. 18, 2026, executive order on mining: “Gov. Walz ran and was elected on a responsible…
Learn More
Local 49 Retirees River Cruise is Sept. 29, 2026
Local 49 invites retired members and one adult guest to a river cruise on the beautiful St. Croix River in Stillwater, Minnesota, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. Bring any photos you’d…
Learn More
2026 Valleyfair picnic tickets now available to members
Members, join us for a picnic at Valleyfair on Sunday, Sept. 20! The park is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Download the flyer here. ADVANCE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED BY…
Learn More
Thank you, 2026 Golf Classic sponsors!
Thank you to the sponsors of this year’s Local 49 Golf Classic to Benefit Homes For Our Troops! Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $350,000 this year, bringing our…
Learn More
Offices closed July 2-3
All Local 49 offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, July 2-3, 2026, in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. Have a safe and happy Fourth!
Learn More
Meeting schedule adjusted for July 2026
Due to the Fourth of July holiday, the schedule for area union meetings has been adjusted for July 2026. Please note the following changes for July 2026: St. Cloud: Canceled…
Learn More
Duluth office has moved!
Local 49’s Duluth office has relocated to the Labor Temple. Our new address is 2002 London Road, Suite 99, Duluth, MN 55812. Our new office hours are 8 a.m. to…
Learn More
Sign up for August 2026 Health Gauge screenings
The Operating Engineers Local 49 Health & Welfare Fund is once again proud to partner with Health Gauge to provide annual health screenings to eligible participants at NO COST to…
Learn More
NOW HIRING: Organizer
Local 49 is hiring an organizer. View the job description and requirements here. To apply for the position, you must submit an application, including a resume and references. The deadline…
Learn More
2026 Coloring Contest Winners Announced
Congratulations to the winners of Local 49’s 2026 coloring contest! We received about 200 total entries in three age categories. With so many amazing entries, it was difficult to pick…
Learn More
Local 49 announces 2026 scholarship winners
Local 49 received 63 completed scholarship applications this year from a diverse and competitive group. Ten grants of $2,500 each were awarded, and Local 49 is pleased to announce the…
Learn More
Enter our 2026 photo contest for members
Members and retirees of IUOE Local 49 are invited to enter our 2026 photo contest! PRIZES: $300 gift card for first place, $200 gift card for second and $100 for…
Learn More
Apply for Tradeswomen Build Nations stipend 2026
This year’s Tradeswomen Build Nations conference is Oct. 9-11, 2026, in Houston, Texas. The annual event is hosted by TradesFutures and North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU). If you’re a…
Learn More
Vote on MN Highway/Heavy Contract May 2, 2026
Local 49 and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Minnesota have reached a tentative agreement for the Minnesota Highway/Heavy Agreement. A vote is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. If…
Learn More
St. Cloud April 2026 meeting date change
The St. Cloud membership meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 9.
Learn More
2026 Scholarship Raffle Winners Announced
Local 49 is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 scholarship raffle. Raffle Winners: Joe Bebeau — Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort Ice Fishing Trip on Lake of the Woods…
Learn More
Hands-on event for high schoolers April 11
Minnesota high school students are invited to join the Operating Engineers Pathway for a hands-on experience operating machinery at the Central Lakes College West Campus (10004 255th Ave. Staples, MN…
Learn More
March 2026 Williston meeting canceled
The Thursday, March 5, 2026, membership meeting in Williston is canceled.
Learn More
Local 49 donates computers to Northside Elementary computer lab
When students returned to Northside Elementary School in Benson, Minnesota, last fall, most of the computers in the computer lab were gone. Tight budgets meant the devices were needed elsewhere,…
Learn More
Sign up for spring 2026 Health Gauge screenings
The spring 2026 schedule for free Health Gauge screenings is available. Local 49 members and retirees who participate in the Local 49 Health Fund plan and their spouses are eligible….
Learn More
Day at the Capitol 2026
Mark your calendar to join us for a Day at the Capitol in St. Paul on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Members who participate will receive a free Local 49 quarter-zip….
Learn More
Bagley Get to Know Your Union Class on Jan. 8 canceled
The Jan. 8, 2026, Get to Know Your Union class in Bagley has been canceled due to low registration. Download the flyer with other dates here.
Learn More
Jan. 6 Grand Forks meeting canceled
Local 49’s Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, Grand Forks area meeting has been canceled.
Learn More
2025-26 Holiday party schedule announced
RSVP for 2025-26 holiday parties here or call 612-877-3787 (online preferred). Please RSVP 10 days in advance. All parties start at 6 p.m. You may bring 1 adult guest to…
Learn More
Local 49 offers labor peace agreements for MN cannabis businesses at no charge
To receive a cannabis license, Minnesota law requires most businesses to secure a “labor peace agreement” with a “bona fide labor organization.” As a union that meets the statutory requirements,…
Learn More
2025 open enrollment for life, disability insurance
Life/ AD&D Coverage If you’re an active member of Local 49 in good standing, you already have $10,000 of life insurance at no charge to you. You can purchase up to $400,000…
Learn More
Hardhats & Horsepower car show is Oct. 12
Local 49’s inaugural Hardhats & Horsepower event is Sunday, Oct. 12! We’ll have a bounce house and a food truck with food for purchase. Members get a free meal, so…
Learn More
Local 49 partners with Minnesota Wild
Hockey season is here, and Local 49 is proud to announce it’s now an official partner of the Minnesota Wild. “On the ice or in an excavator, it takes grit…
Learn More
Congratulations 2025 photo contest winners!
Congratulations to the winners of our 2025 Local 49 Photo Contest! With more than 80 entries, it was a competitive field. Members who attended the Sept. 17 General Membership Meeting…
Learn More
Construction Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 8-12, 2025
The construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S., according to the CDC. That’s why unions, employers and construction professionals across the country are observing…
Learn More
Come see us at the MN State Fair!
We’re at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, and we hope to see you there! Visit our booth outside the 4-H Building at Cosgrove and Wright (map here). Children and adults…
Learn More
Enter our 2025 photo contest – members only
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MONDAY, SEPT. 1 PRIZES: $300 gift card for first place, $200 gift card for second and $100 gift card for third. Winning entries will be published in an…
Learn More
Local 49 Retirees River Cruise is Sept. 30, 2025
Local 49 invites retired members and one adult guest to a river cruise on the beautiful St. Croix River in Stillwater, Minnesota, Tuesday, Sept. 30. What: Local 49 Retirees River…
Learn More
Local 49 to host Hardhats & Horsepower Oct. 12
Show off your favorite car, truck or motorcycle at Local 49’s inaugural Hardhats & Horsepower event in October. Or just be a spectator and enjoy the show! We’ll have a…
Learn More
2025 Valleyfair registration open to Local 49 members
NOTE: This information is for the 2025 picnic. If you are looking for the 2026 event, please go here. This year’s Metro Area Picnic is at Valleyfair 11 a.m. to 6…
Learn More
Thank you, sponsors of the 2025 Local 49 Golf Classic to Benefit Homes For Our Troops!
Thank you to the sponsors of this year’s Local 49 Golf Classic to Benefit Homes For Our Troops! Together we raised more than $280,000 for this amazing organization. Supporter Plus:…
Learn More
2025 Local 49 scholarship recipients announced
Local 49 announced its 2025 scholarship recipients at the General Membership Meeting on May 21, 2025. Ten grants of $2,500 each were awarded this year, and Local 49 is pleased…
Learn More
2025 Coloring Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of Local 49’s inaugural coloring contest! We received more than 170 entries total in three age categories. With so many amazing entries, it was difficult to…
Learn More
Members ratify MN Builders Agreement
Members ratified the Minnesota Builders Agreement Saturday, May 3, and new rates are effective Monday, May 5. The rates are available here. Thank you to everyone who came out to…
Learn More
MN Builders Contract vote is May 3
Local 49 and the AGC have reached a tentative agreement for the Minnesota Builders Agreement, which expires on April 30, 2025. Members will vote on the contract Saturday, May 3,…
Learn More
Join us at the Rally for Jobs April 30
Local 49, along with other Minnesota unions, will participate in the Building Trades Rally for Jobs at the Minnesota State Capitol Wednesday, April 30. What: Building Trades Rally for Jobs…
Learn More
Hands-on event for high schoolers April 12
Minnesota high school students are invited to join the Operating Engineers Pathway for a hands-on experience operating machinery at the Central Lakes College West Campus (10004 255th Ave. Staples, MN…
Learn More
Learn about the Health Fund
Register today for a March webinar. Local 49 and the Local 49 Health & Welfare Fund will host online informational sessions via Zoom in March 2025. The sessions will give…
Learn More
Day at the Capitol 2025
Mark your calendar to join us for a Day at the Capitol in St. Paul on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Members who participate will receive a free Local 49 full-zip…
Learn More
Open enrollment extended through Jan. 31, 2025
The deadline to enroll in supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance and short-term disability insurance through the National Coalition of Labor (formerly Midwest Coalition of Labor) has been extended through Jan….
Learn More
National Apprenticeship Week 2024: Success stories
For National Apprenticeship Week, we’re sharing stories of apprentices who are finding that a career as an operator can be fun, fulfilling and a great way to support a family….
Learn More
National Apprenticeship Week 2024: Isabelle Schultz
Isabelle Schultz came to the trades after learning through experience that traditional college wasn’t for her. “I tried going to college, and I did not like that,” she said. A…
Learn More