Top union leaders and members from across the country are gathering in Minneapolis this week for the 30th annual AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention.
The national gathering is held every four years, and Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham says the timing of this one couldn't be better.
She says Operation Metro Surge, the federal government's immigration crackdown in Minnesota, helped show the value of solidarity.
"You know, we just feel like labor needs to lead in this movement and what a great way and great place to have a convention, with the things that have happened in Minnesota," says Burnham.
Most of the delegates are staying in downtown Minneapolis hotels, kicking off what city leaders say will be a busy summer downtown thanks to a robust convention season.
"This is the voice of labor all throughout this country, and there will even be some international folks here too," Burnham explains. "So these are leaders and members of labor unions across all sectors."
Burnham adds that support for unions is strong right now, despite what she calls the anti-union and anti-immigrant sentiment within the federal government.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler was among the speakers at the flagship "No Kings" rally and protest in St. Paul this past March.
The 30th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention
WHEN: June 7–10
WHERE: Minneapolis Convention Center
WHY: Delegates use this gathering to establish the labor movement's legislative priorities, discuss strategies to empower working people, and guide the federation's mission for the coming years.
