Minnesota Building & Construction Trades Council

February 19, 2020 (St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council have endorsed Representative Angie Craig for a second term in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District.  The Regional Building Trades Councils in Representative Craig’s district recommended the endorsement to the State Council Executive Board which is made up of leaders of all 15 Building Trades Unions.  The Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council, the Saint Paul Building ... View Article

Today, the Hennepin County Attorney announced charges of insurance fraud and theft by swindle against the owners of Merit Drywall. According to the criminal complaint, the two defendants, Leroy and Joyce Mehr, misclassified workers as independent contractors to avoid paying more than $300,000 in workers compensation insurance premiums. “Wage theft, insurance fraud and worker classification fraud have no place in Minnesota. It is critical that the legal system hold those who are accused of ... View Article

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Study on youth in construction focuses on safety and the best interest of the child; Highlights union construction career pathways and registered apprenticeships. On January 15, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) issued the report: Ensuring the Safety of Youth in Skilled Trades Training Programs.  This report ... View Article

In the first big Minnesota case concerning wage theft and labor trafficking, Ricardo Batres was recently charged with recruiting and exploiting Twin Cities construction workers. Yesterday, one day before his trial, Batres pled guilty to two of three charges against him. “We are grateful that the legal system is holding those who commit wage theft and illegal trafficking of construction workers seriously,” said Jessica Looman, Executive Director of the Minnesota Building and Construction ... View Article