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Rep. Craig Hosts Unsung Heroes Recognition Event to Honor CD2 Labor Unions

unsung heroes
July 29, 2026
Press Release

BURNSVILLE, MN – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig hosted her inaugural Unsung Heroes Recognition Event in Burnsville to honor union workers in Minnesota’s Second District. Rep. Craig was joined by Minnesota labor leaders to highlight their collective support for working class wins.

“Labor is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, but right now it’s under attack,” said Rep. Craig. “From terminating union contracts to blocking the right to organize, the Trump Administration has made union-busting a primary part of its agenda. That’s why I'm honored to host this event – to double down on my support for Minnesota labor and make sure their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Rep. Craig was joined by Bernie Burnham, President, Minnesota AFL-CIO; Kim Nelson, Political Director, Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters; Amanda Heiser, Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters; John Burcaw, Director, Finishing Trades Institute; Laura Asklein, Political Organizer, AFSCME; Max Hall, External Relations and Planning Director, AFSCME; Rick Bartz, Business Manager and Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 949 and Denise White, President, AFGE Local 1969. 

Together, they recognized local union members for the following: 

  • Demonstrating a commitment to service and community engagement.
  • Demonstrating tremendous leadership skills.
  • Devoting 15+ years of service.
  • Going above and beyond every day and showing tremendous pride in their work.
  • Being assets to their unions, dedicating themselves to outstanding organizing and continuously going above and beyond in the recruiting process.

Rep. Craig has stood with Minnesota’s labor unions and been a champion of organized labor since day one. She helped introduce the PRO Act, which protects workers’ right to organize and collectively bargain for higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions.

And she has penned her own legislation, like the Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act, which would help increase enrollment in registered apprenticeship programs.

Rep. Craig also helped introduce the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which requires employers to begin negotiations with a newly certified union within 10 days of receiving a request, and the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act, which blocks large corporations who union bust from collecting tax breaks. 

Finally, she is a cosponsor of the Tax Fairness for Workers Act, which would create an “above-the-line” tax deduction for union dues and expenses.

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