At the national convention of the International Union of Operating Engineers in Hollywood, Florida, Governor Tim Walz today highlighted the need for good-paying union jobs and collective bargaining rights in states across the country.

“Minnesota is a labor state, and it will always be a labor state. We know that strong unions make our state, and country, strong. We will not tolerate moves to weaken the collective voices of our workers,” said Governor Walz. “Across the nation, it’s imperative that we continue to fight for strong wages and safe working conditions. Let’s invest in infrastructure projects to create jobs for our highly skilled union workers in Minnesota and states across the country.”

On January 25, Governor Walz signed a bill into law extending Unemployment Insurance benefits for workers on the Iron Range. The bill provides an additional 26 weeks of benefits for over 400 workers who were laid off due to the idling of Northshore Mining last May.

On February 7, Governor Tim Walz signed into law legislation to unlock $315.5 million in federally appropriated funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to improve Minnesota’s roads. On February 7, Governor Tim Walz also signed into law legislation establishing a Minnesota carbon-free electricity standard. The law ensures Minnesota will take steps to lower greenhouse gas emissions, combat the climate crisis, and create new clean energy jobs. Governor Walz signed the bill alongside legislators, labor, and environmental advocates at the St. Paul Regional Labor Center.

This week, Governor Walz will sign a bill into law improving worker safety at oil refineries.

In January, Governor Walz proposed his 2023 Infrastructure Plan , which would create good-paying jobs and invest in critical projects focused on roads, bridges, and water systems, housing and homelessness, and environmental stewardship.

The International Union of Operating Engineers is a diversified trade union that represents over 400,000 workers. Union members work as heavy equipment operators, mechanics, surveyors, and stationary engineers in the construction industry.