How labor and labor organizing have shaped the state

Labor and Labor Organizing in Minnesota

Since statehood, Minnesota workers have joined together to improve and protect their livelihoods, rights, and voices in the workplace. Labor organizations, especially unions, have stood up for members’ interests with employers. They have participated in politics to influence society for the benefit of all working people. Minnesota labor has experienced successes and setbacks, times of positive relations with businesses and government, and times of hostility. Minnesotans have been national innovators in labor strategies and organizational forms.

The president of the United Packing House Workers of America (UPWA) union Local 6Local 6, Charles Lee, 1959. Minneapolis Star Tribune portraits collection (news photos, box 108), Minnesota Historical Society

Charles Lee

The president of the United Packing House Workers of America (UPWA) union Local 6Local 6, Charles Lee, 1959. Minneapolis Star Tribune portraits collection (news photos, box 108), Minnesota Historical Society

The president of the United Packing House Workers of America (UPWA) union Local 6, Charles Lee (second from left), with Freeborn County attorney O. Russell Olson (far left), sheriff Everette Stovern (third from right), police lieutenant Woodrow Chrz (second from right), and union lawyer Doug Hall (far right), 1959. Minneapolis Star Tribune portraits collection (news photos, box 108), Minnesota Historical Society.

Charles Lee with attorney, sheriff, police lieutenant, and lawyer

The president of the United Packing House Workers of America (UPWA) union Local 6, Charles Lee (second from left), with Freeborn County attorney O. Russell Olson (far left), sheriff Everette Stovern (third from right), police lieutenant Woodrow Chrz (second from right), and union lawyer Doug Hall (far right), 1959. Minneapolis Star Tribune portraits collection (news photos, box 108), Minnesota Historical Society.

Members of the National Guard confront striking meatpacking plant workers in Albert Lea. Printed in the Minneapolis Morning Tribune, December 12, 1959. Original caption: “National Guardsmen dispersed crowds at Wilson Gate early Friday morning.” Photograph by Charles Brill.

National Guardsmen confronting strikers

Members of the National Guard confront striking meatpacking plant workers in Albert Lea. Printed in the Minneapolis Morning Tribune, December 12, 1959. Original caption: “National Guardsmen dispersed crowds at Wilson Gate early Friday morning.” Photograph by Charles Brill.

Martial Law in Albert Lea, 1959

In the winter of 1959–1960 a bitter packing-house workers’ strike against Wilson & Company in Albert Lea descended into such disorder that Governor Orville Freeman declared martial law. A federal district court later ruled his order unlawful.

Nina Clifford’s brothel at 147 South Washington Avenue in St. Paul, down the street from Ida Dorsey’s brothel at 151 South Washington Avenue. Photograph by A. F. Raymond, 1937.

One of Nina Clifford's brothels

Nina Clifford’s brothel at 147 South Washington Street in St. Paul. Photograph by A. F. Raymond, 1937.

A street scene at the intersection of Second Street North and Second Avenue North, Minneapolis, around the time that Ida Dorsey operated a brothel on Second Avenue. Photographer unknown, ca. 1912.

Second Street North from Second Avenue North, Minneapolis

A street scene at the intersection of Second Street North and Second Avenue North, Minneapolis, around the time that Ida Dorsey operated a brothel on Second Avenue. Photographer unknown, ca. 1912.

Building at 220 Eleventh Avenue South, Minneapolis, close to Ida Dorsey’s Eleventh Avenue bordello. Photograph by Joseph Zalusky, ca. 1890s.

220 Eleventh Avenue South, Minneapolis

Building at 220 Eleventh Avenue South, Minneapolis, close to Ida Dorsey’s Eleventh Avenue bordello. Photograph by Joseph Zalusky, ca. 1890s.

Dorsey, Ida (1866–1918)

Employing the racial prejudices and fantasies of elite male clients once used against her, Ida Dorsey established herself as one of the Twin Cities’ most notorious madams, running multiple brothels between the 1880s and the 1910s. As a woman of color in an industry dominated by white women, she demonstrated herself an adept entrepreneur and real estate owner when most women had neither income nor property.

Hormel strikers' picket line

Hormel strikers' picket line

Hormel Foods employees link arms to form a picket line during the 1985–1986 strike against that company.

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