Jason George, business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, released the following statement Wednesday, May 25, in response to the Minnesota Legislature’s failure to complete its…
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Local 49 is now hiring for a Public Employee Business Agent position based in St. Cloud. View the job description and requirements here. To apply for this position, you MUST…
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Local 49 received 47 completed scholarship applications this year from a diverse and competitive group of individuals. Ten grants were awarded for $2,500 each, up from $1,000 in previous years….
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Connie Smallman, a Local 49 member and operating engineer with Kraus-Anderson, won the Outstanding Craftswoman category in Finance & Commerce’s 2022 Top Women in Construction Awards last week. Read more…
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A longtime member and business agent’s commitment to Local 49 is having a ripple effect beyond his lifetime. When Jack Guy, of Gilbert, Minnesota, died just before his 90th birthday…
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UPDATE: Connie Smallman was named the winner in the Outstanding Craftswoman category. As a young girl, Connie Smallman learned to use power tools and, with her dad’s help, built her…
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Local 49 thanks Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber for backing much-needed updates to the Davis-Bacon Act regulations that will directly benefit operating engineers. Approved in 1931, the Davis-Bacon Act requires contractors…
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Local 49 is proud to represent some of the most talented, skilled and hard-working women in our industry. You can help them get the recognition they deserve by nominating someone…
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More than 40 high school students from across the state of Minnesota took the controls of a tractor loader backhoe at Ziegler Cat in Shakopee Saturday, April 30, and had…
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The Minnesota Builders Agreement was overwhelmingly accepted by Local 49 members in a vote Saturday, April 30. The updated wage rates will be posted here on Monday morning, May 2.
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Four members of Local 49 who died on the job last year were honored during a Workers Memorial Day ceremony outside the Minnesota State Capitol today: Gerald Peterson died Jan….
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With members of Local 49 advocating at the Capitol, the Minnesota Senate passed a bill Thursday, April 28, to dedicate 100% of the sales tax paid on auto parts to…
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Local 49 and the AGC have reached a tentative agreement for the new Minnesota Builders Contract effective May 1, 2022. A ratification vote is scheduled for Saturday, April 30. Members…
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Due to an obligation to our OPEIU Local 12 office personnel, the IUOE Local 49 offices will be closed Friday, April 15, in observance of Good Friday. Business agents will…
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A bill dedicating 100% of the sales tax paid on auto parts to road and bridge projects is headed to the Senate floor with the support of IUOE Local 49….
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Local 49 Responds to Gas Tax Holiday Proposal There is no question that gas prices are out of control and there is a need to do something to address…
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Governor Walz has declared March 6-12th Women in Construction Week in Minnesota. The Local 49 Women’s Committee put together a video celebrating their group and their volunteer efforts. We have…
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Local 49 Business Manager Jason George, along with our partners in the industry, spent yesterday advocating for increased funding to road and bridge programs. The bill considered would dedicate 100%…
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Local 49 Members, The Minnesota Builders Master Agreement expires on April 30, 2022. Local 49 will be hosting proposal meetings in Minnesota to hear from members about what issues are important…
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Jason George, Business Manager for the International Union for Operating Engineers Local 49, issued the following statement regarding the Court of Appeals ruling on Polymet permit: “We applaud the judge’s…
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Jason George, Business Manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, released the following statement. “We are excited to see Governor Walz put forward a bonding proposal that…
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Congressman Pete Stauber invited Local 49 Business Manager Jason George to speak in front of the Committee on Natural Resources Republicans and the Western Caucus today about the importance of…
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Following the changes to the city of Minneapolis’s mask requirement last week, Local 49 is required to adjust the mask requirement policy as follows: Masks will be required to be…
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Due to inclement weather, tonight’s West Fargo union meeting will be cancelled. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 3.
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Local 49 members have voted to accept the latest contract offer from the city of Minneapolis, and our members will not be going on strike. This was a challenging negotiation,…
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The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 filed an intent to strike notice with the city of Minneapolis two weeks ago after our membership voted down the city’s latest…
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Today, the Ramsey County District Court Judge granted the Tri-Council’s (IUOE Local 49, Teamsters Local 120, and Laborers Local 363) request for a temporary restraining order. This ruling has now…
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Today, a vote was held by Local 49 members that work for the Metropolitan Airport Commission on whether or not to authorize the union to take their bargaining unit out…
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Last night, members of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49 that are employed by the city of Minneapolis voted down the city’s final contract offer. Local 49…
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The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49 filed a lawsuit yesterday over the requirement that city employees must receive the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year…
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Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the largest budget surplus in the state’s history of $7.7 billion. This not only marks a significant milestone in our state but provides a once-in-a-generation…
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The Grand Forks union meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 7 has been cancelled. The next Grand Forks meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 4 at 7:00 p.m.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been ordered by the Court to review the state’s nonferrous mining rule and is accepting public comment on the matter through December…
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Today, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 announced that John Pollard will serve as the union’s new Legislative Director. Pollard will be responsible for the union’s day-to-day…
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Emiliano Corona has always loved working outdoors from a young age, particularly with his father at his yard and lawn company. “Since I was in middle school, I always…
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Sydnie Nelson has grown up around the construction industry her entire life and is now making her dream career a reality after she joined the Local 49 Apprenticeship program. …
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“I want to thank General President Callahan and the IUOE legislative team in Washington for their efforts to make this historic investment in Operating Engineers jobs a reality. I also…
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I want to update the membership on the ongoing contract negotiations with St. Paul, Minneapolis, the MET Council, and the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Last week, the Local 49 members…
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Pictured are Five Skies participants completing oiler training at the Local 49 Training Center Local 49 recently partnered with Five Skies Training and Consulting, a Native American-owned organization specializing in…
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“Today’s announcement by the Biden Administration to initiate yet another mineral withdrawal study is a disheartening blow to job creation on the Iron Range and casts doubt on the seriousness…
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On Saturday, October 9, over 60 students enrolled in the Operating Engineers Career Pathway program received hands-on experience operating equipment at the Local 49 Training Center as part of the…
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I wanted to update the membership on an urgent matter. Contract negotiations with several large Twin Cities public employers are not going well. Our more than 100 members that work…
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A broad coalition of civic and housing leaders has launched efforts in St. Paul and Minneapolis to educate voters and defeat rent control ballot initiatives which, if passed, would result…
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The Local 49 Training Center is hiring for the following positions: Administrative Assistant Grading & Excavating/GPS Instructor Click above to view each position description and qualifications. To apply for either…
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Last night, I read the letter sent to President Biden penned by Minneapolis and St. Paul Congresswomen Omar and McCollum, several others of their Congressional colleagues from around the nation,…
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The Operating Engineers Local 49 Health and Welfare Fund will host virtual benefit meetings throughout this fall for all hourly active participants to discuss the upcoming dollar bank change, the…
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The IUOE Local 49 Officer and Executive Board election concluded on August 16, 2021. On September 1, 2021, your IUOE Local 49 Officers and Executive Board leadership are as follows:…
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Enrollment is currently open until August 30 for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49 high school pathway program. This program is in partnership with Minnesota Virtual Academy…
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The US Senate will be voting very soon on final passage of the largest infrastructure investment in U.S. history. Billions of dollars of new investment are at stake for our…
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Local 49 member TJ Hodges testified in front of the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group on Wednesday to advocate for Local 49 members to be included in the recently authorized…
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“Members, now is the time to get engaged to support your jobs, and the rebuilding of America. IUOE headquarters has created a website where you can get information about the…
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Local 49 Metro area Picnic Sunday, September 19, 2021 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Food will be served from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. Hope…
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IUOE Local 49 is providing this statement to address serious concerns raised by many of our members about a possible data breach. Many members of Local 49 have complained to…
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The MN Legislative Session is ending today. We were very active this session, as we always are, focused on the same core things we always focus on: growing JOBS, and…
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Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) expressed his strong opposition to the Fiscal Year 2022 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Spending bill which is being led by House Democrats and contains a…
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Local 49 will be hosting the Northern area picnic on Sunday, August 1 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park located at 4392 Miller Trunk Road Eveleth, MN 55734 …
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We learned late last week that the Fargo Flood Diversion project was awarded to a Spanish firm Acciona and their partners. A local union contractor Ames Construction, along with their…
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Due to the Fourth of July holiday, the membership decided to cancel the St. Cloud union meeting that was scheduled for July 1. The St. Cloud union meetings will resume…
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Local 49 Business Manager Jason George stated: “Today is a good day for common sense. Line 3 replacement project is the most studied pipeline in history, and with today’s…
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Local 49 Business Manager Jason George spoke on Linder Farm Radio Network this morning and shared his thoughts on the Enbridge Line 3 protest activity that has occurred this week….
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Fall enrollment is now open for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49‘s Operating Engineers Career Pathway program, who recently hosted high school students from across…
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We have seen Marathon Refinery in St. Paul Park kick out local contractors with skilled union tradesmen and women and replace them with out of state contractors in the last…
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Recipients of a Scholarship award from Local 49 were announced at the General Membership Meeting on May 19, 2021. Ten grants of $1,000.00 each were awarded this year and Local…
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Following the changes to Minnesota’s statewide mask requirement late last week Local 49 officers have met and agreed to adjust the mask requirements as follows: Masks will continue to be required…
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Local 49 Business Manager Jason George, alongside workers and other community leaders, spoke to the media today urging the legislature to pass apprenticeship requirements for contractors working in Minnesota’s oil…
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The Operating Engineers Local 49 Health and Welfare Fund will host virtual benefit meetings throughout the summer for all hourly active participants to discuss the upcoming dollar bank change, the…
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The Operating Engineers Local 49 Health and Welfare Fund and TEAM, your Medical Advocacy Program, have partnered with Cub Pharmacy to host a COVID-19 on-site event in Minneapolis and Rochester…
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I want to thank IUOE General President Callahan, along with the LiUNA and Carpenters for taking a strong stand on the issue of labor protections being required for support of…
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I learned on twitter last night of an incident that occurred earlier this week involving other union leaders and the Minnesota National Guard at the St. Paul Labor Center. What…
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The Local 49 Training Center is hiring for a General Crane Instructor and an All Terrain Crane Instructor. Click below to view the job description and requirements for each position….
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Public Sector & Private Shops Steward Training will be hosted on April 27, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. This training is designed for all current stewards and members interested…
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Local 49 member Elizabeth Ennenga graduated from Georgetown University with a major in comparative politics and now owns her own company: Quad E Companies. Soon after graduation, Elizabeth moved…
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“This is the greatest job in the world, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” NaFeeSha King has worn many hats throughout her career in various industries but says that…
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“Today, state officials announced that Minnesota has a $1.6 billion surplus of tax money for the 2022-23 budget year. The state owes a debt of gratitude to the men and…
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St. Paul, Minn., February 24, 2021 – The Minnesota Supreme Court today unanimously ruled in favor of the Clean Air Act permit issued to PolyMet by the Minnesota Pollution Control…
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Joe Simmonds, a 19-year member of Local 49, has been in the construction industry since moving to Minnesota from the U.S. Virgin Islands to owning his own construction business. “When…
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The Local 49 Training Center is now hiring for a crane instructor. This posting will remain open until Monday, March 8. Click here to view the job description and requirements. …
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St. Paul, Minn., February 16, 2021 – A federal judge dismissed a challenge to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s oversight of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water quality permit…
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In an eight-year period of national economic expansion that followed the Great Recession of 2008, the 27 U.S. states that had enacted so-called “right-to-work” laws saw slower economic growth, lower…
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Local 49 will be hosting a virtual pipeline informational union meeting on Tuesday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the limited indoor space that is available,…
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Local 49 member Connie Smallman has been selected to become a member of the Advisory Task Force on Expanding the Economic Security of Women. Last week Minnesota Attorney General Keith…
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Local 49 Members, We have come up with a plan for union meetings in February that we believe keeps us in compliance with the current law on gatherings. In February,…
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More than 200 of our brothers and sisters from Teamsters Local 120 are walking a picket line right now at Marathon Refinery in St. Paul Park. We stand with them….
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When the COVID-19 pandemic reached our state and began to significantly affect our members in March of 2020, I personally notified all Local 49 employers that this Local would commit…
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“The news yesterday that President Biden has revoked the permit for Keystone XL is a blow to our membership. There are dozens of members that were already working on pump…
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Active/Pre-Medicare Retiree Benefit Meetings The Operating Engineers Local 49 Health and Welfare Fund will be hosting virtual benefit meetings for all Active/Pre-Medicare Retiree participants! What will be presented at the…
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After graduating with a four-year degree, Brock Keaton Jr. is now in his first year as a Local 49 apprentice and says that “this has been the best career choice.”…
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On May 7th, 2020, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission invited power providers to submit proposals that would aid in Minnesota’s economic recovery. Xcel Energy responded with a 7 wind repower…
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Click here to read Local 49’s letter of support for Teamsters Local 120 fight to get a fair contract at Marathon Refinery in St. Paul Park.
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As a reminder, all union meetings are cancelled for the month of January. Local 49 Business Manager Jason George will provide a video update this month to update members on…
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Beginning on Monday, December 28, 2020, the Local 49 Duluth Office will now only be open on Monday’s and Thursday’s from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. However, Duluth members are encouraged to…
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Congratulations to Atlas Foundation, Park Construction, and Rachel Contracting who each won the Jeff Jensen Memorial Construction Safety Excellence Award during the 2020 AGC Award Recognition Week. Contractors who apply…
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Today, the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement project received its final permit and the project will now move toward finally beginning construction. Local 49 Business Manager Jason George issued the following…
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Local 49 Business Manager Jason George released the following statement in response to the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project receiving state agency permits. Today, science, reason and logic won. The…
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Effective immediately, and under authority granted to all Business Managers in the nation from General President Callahan, all Local 49 union meetings are suspended for November and December. We will…
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Every member should take a minute and read this statement from our General President about the recent elections and the aftermath. “I stand 100 percent behind General President James Callahan…
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The Granite Falls union meeting months will now be December – April on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Rock Dining & Event Center, 1940 11th Ave. Granite Falls, MN 56241 at…
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Today Local 49, along with our fellow building trades unions, gathered at the Iron Workers Local 512 Training Center to participate in a bill signing with Governor Tim Walz for…
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“I am very pleased to announce that both the Minnesota House and Senate have now passed an infrastructure bonding bill that will invest close to $2 billion in projects across…
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“For months now construction workers, small and large businesses, material suppliers, architects, engineers, and local communities totaling hundreds of thousands of Minnesotan’s have watched our political leaders fail to pass…
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Local 49 Business Manager, Jason George, released the following statement regarding Local 49’s bi-partisan list of endorsements: We believe that our members are the backbone of this country. We believe…
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Women Building Success is hosting their Third Annual Women Building Success National Apprenticeship Week Photo Contest event on Thursday, November 12th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. As this is a virtual event this year,…
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As part of National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 9 – 15, 2020), the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will recognize outstanding apprentices and are looking for nominations. Download the Apprentice…
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Beginning this October, NABTU’s Tradeswomen’s Committee and Apprenticeship & Training Committee are teaming up to launch the Tradeswomen Heroes to honor outstanding building trades sisters. Tradeswomen Heroes will recognize four…
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Business Manager Jason George shared the following thoughts on the unexpected passing of retired Local 49 Officer Kyle Jones: We here at Local 49 were devastated to learn of the…
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Local 49 submitted a letter to the regulatory agency in charge of permitting a proposed Northern Natural Gas project in Minnesota. Local 49 Business Manager Jason George issued the following…
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For a few months now, we have been talking about providing you an enhanced death benefit as part of a broader package of member benefits. We recently conducted a By-laws…
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According to new research from the Midwest Economic Policy Institute (MEPI) and the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI), three of the nation’s leading producers of renewable energy are poised to lead…
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The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 49 and Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) have partnered together to offer a unique opportunity for high school students to complete online elective…
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The COVID-19 situation has prevented us from having Union meetings for the last few months. We have been cautious in our approach to do our part to prevent the spread…
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Local 49 Business Manager Jason George Released the Following Comments: We are frustrated, angry, and bitterly disappointed today. We have spoken to Governor Walz about the Line 3 permitting process…
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Local 49 joined other supporters of the Line 3 Replacement Project today at a media event held at the Minnesota State Capitol to officially deliver the signatures to Governor Walz…
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TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy) announced today that Keystone XL has reached a project labor agreement (PLA) with four leading U.S. labor unions that will inject hundreds…
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In a press conference today held at Local 49’s St. Cloud office, Local 49 announced our endorsement of Congressman Tom Emmer for Minnesota’s 6th District. Congressman Emmer has consistently and…
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Another special session another failure. Our members have contacted their legislators. I have spent countless hours talking to leaders from both sides of the aisle. They all knew the stakes….
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All July union meetings have been cancelled. In lieu of having union meetings this month, I will be providing a video update in the Members Only section. As part of…
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Today, Local 49 issued a letter to all legislators, including leaders, and the Governor in response to the progress of the Special Session. Click here to read the letter.
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The damage that took place last week left the Twin Cities in a state of devastation and destruction. Our neighbors are hurting, they have a long road to recovery, and…
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I strongly disagree with the decision made by Governor Walz to hold a contested case hearing on a simple water quality permit for the Line 3 replacement project. This is a…
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Union Activities Update There are three areas in terms of Union activities that I wanted to update members on. These updates are all COVID-19 related. Monthly Union Meetings: Unfortunately, we are…
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It is with great sadness that Local 49 has made the difficult decision to cancel the Metro Area Summer Picnic scheduled for June 28th at Hope Glen Farm. We apologize…
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Despite having four months to find a deal on a bonding bill, Minnesota’s political leaders ended session last night and failed to invest in Minnesota’s infrastructure and the people that build…
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On March 17, Dick Kryzer, a 12-year Local 49 member and plant operator for MET Council, experienced the first symptoms of what would later be confirmed as COVID-19. Kryzer is…
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Recipients of a Scholarship award from Local 49 will be announced at the General Membership Meeting on June 17, 2020. Ten grants of $1,000.00 each were awarded this year and…
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The Local 49 Training is currently hiring for a Health and Safety Technical Education Instructor. This position will remain open until filled. Click here to view the job description, qualifications and…
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This week, Joe Abeyta, heavy equipment operator with IUOE Local 49, a city councilman, veteran, husband, and father of three from the City of LaPrairie, won the endorsement of the Minnesota Democratic…
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Today, Great River Energy (GRE), a not-for-profit wholesale electric power cooperative providing power in Minnesota and Wisconsin, announced plans to retire its 1,151-megawatt (MW) coal generating power plant, Coal Creek Station,…
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Recently, Congressman Stauber issued a press release after he introduced legislation that will incentivize American manufacturers to purchase domestically sourced critical minerals. In doing so, the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain…
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Over the weekend, Minnesota House Republican Minority Leader Kurt Daudt published a statement that tied the fate of a critical infrastructure bonding bill to a growing constitutional dispute between some…
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The Local 49 Training Center will open for field training starting Wednesday, May 6th, 2020. Because we must maintain social distancing guidelines and adhere to proper safety protocol, training availability…
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Impact of COVID-19 on Jobs in Our Jurisdiction The construction economy in our region is doing ok as we all deal with the economic hit that the COVID-19 crisis has…
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Minnesota Members The following letter is for members and their families that are currently eligible for Unemployment benefits. If you have additional question’s please see the links below for additional resources. For the fastest response from the…
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A study led jointly by Labor-Management Construction Programs found that, apprenticeship has become one of Minnesota’s most effective workforce development institutions. The number of Minnesotans enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs…
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Thank you to all our members, your families, and friends who submitted comments to the Department of Labor in response to the proposed changes that would negatively affect every member…
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The Local 49 Northern Area Picnic will be at the Veterans Memorial Park – Ely Lake, Eveleth MN located at 4392 Miller Trunk Road Eveleth, MN 55734 on Sunday August, 4, 2019 from…
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Dan Sapp and Victor (Vic) Yamry have worked together at Advanced Equipment as Crane Technicians for 20 years, and on top of that, Sapp works with his son Adam as…
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Local 49 members and co-founders of the Local 49 Women’s Group, Wendy Stuhr and Connie Smallman, were invited by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) for the first Sisters…
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From the outside, Tyler Pynnonen looks like your everyday Local 49 member – except being a professional action sports athlete and the first person in the world to front flip…
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Volunteer Event Join Local 49 on Friday, June 21st for the Land of 1,000 Lakes Day of Action volunteer event hosted by United Way, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity and the Itasca…
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The annual Local 49 Summer picnic will be hosted at Hope Glen Farm, 10276 E Point Douglas Rd S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, on Sunday, June 23, 2019 from 11:30 a.m….
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The 9thannual Trades Women Build Nations Conference will be hosted in Minneapolis on Oct. 4-6, 2019, and the members of the Local 49 Women’s Group are gearing up for the…
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Local 49 members have made enormous contributions in building every major stadium in Minnesota, and the new Allianz Field is no exception. More than 50 Local 49 members and several…
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U.S. District Court Judge John A. Tunheim modified the injunction to allow all requested construction to proceed on the FM Area Diversion Project. The ruling was made after motions requesting…
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Order your USA/Union made Local 49 gear online! Free shipping on all orders! There are a variety of sizes and styles for men and women, and each item can be customized…
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Thank you to the private and public sector snow plow operators for all your efforts to clear our roads and parking lots. You work long hours doing dangerous work all…
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Do you know an outstanding woman member of Local 49? Nominate them for a Women Building Success Award! There are three nomination categories: Apprentice of the Year, Journeyworker of the…
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Members of Local 49 are once again playing an instrumental role in the construction of one of the largest projects in southwestern Minnesota. The $300 million Southern Power project located…
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