LIUNA Minnesota Statement on Senate Republicans' Rejection of Commissioner Nancy Leppink

Saint Paul, MN — Today, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota, Minnesota’s infrastructure union, released the following statement after the State Senate Republican Caucus’ rejection of the confirmation of Nancy Leppink, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

“Minnesota Senate Republicans’ vote today will make workers less safe and jeopardize the progress we are making to end wage theft,” said Joel Smith, President and Business Manager of LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota. “We firmly believe that a qualified and proven leader like Nancy Leppink should have been confirmed as Commissioner of DLI.”

“It is appalling and disgusting for Senate Republicans to take this irresponsible and divisive action during a pandemic and economic crisis. Minnesotans deserve better.”

Chartered in 1968 by the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota is based in Saint Paul and serves the members, families and retirees of five Local Unions: Local 563 (Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metro, Mankato & Saint Cloud Areas & North Dakota); Local 405 (Rochester & Southeast Minnesota); Local 1091 (Duluth-Superior, Northeast Minnesota & Northwest Wisconsin); Local 1097 (Iron Range & Northern Minnesota); and Local 363 (City & County Employees Union of Minneapolis-Saint Paul & Greater Minnesota).

This is an independent expenditure prepared and paid for by LIUNA Minnesota, 81 E. Little Canada Road, Saint Paul, MN 55117. It is not coordinated with or approved by any candidate, nor is any candidate responsible for it.