Primer: Crystal Sugar contract fight Here's a quick look at the background of the nearly 11-month lockout of American Crystal Sugar union workers. A third vote on the company's contract is expected Saturday.June 22, 2012
Union to vote on American Crystal Sugar contract offer About 1,300 workers locked out of their jobs at American Crystal Sugar will get another chance to vote on the company's contract proposal next week. The workers have been locked out since they first rejected the company's proposal on July 31.June 14, 2012
Kraft to close Wis. cheese plant Kraft Foods Inc. plans to close a cheese plant in Waupaca and lay off 120 employees in a cost-cutting move.June 12, 2012
Minneapolis firefighter injuries on the rise Over the last several years, Minneapolis firefighter injuries have been rising as the number of firefighters has been shrinking.June 12, 2012
Stadium could benefit those hardest hit by poverty, unemployment The Minnesota Vikings say a new stadium will save the football franchise, but the project's benefits are also being aimed squarely at some parts of Minneapolis hit hardest by poverty and unemployment.June 12, 2012
Crystal Sugar talks break off again Talks between American Crystal Sugar and locked-out workers ended Friday with no movement toward breaking the 10-month impasse.June 8, 2012
Ruling says part-time firefighters can unionize For the first time, some part-time firefighters in the state are eligible to form labor unions, says a ruling by the Minnesota's Bureau of Mediation Services.June 7, 2012
Crystal Sugar, union returning to bargaining table Locked-out union workers at American Crystal Sugar Co. are in the middle of a 200-mile trek to the negotiating table, which the company says could be a long walk for a short meeting.June 5, 2012
Unemployment benefits cut to 46 weeks The maximum duration of extended unemployment benefits in Minnesota will drop from 60 to 46 weeks later this month.June 4, 2012