Labor history and worker solidarity serve as a central pillar of the work of the East Side Freedom Library. ESFL convenes conversations between the history of labor movements and the present needs and actions of labor activists, union leaders, and rank-and-file workers.
ESFL Labor Working Group
The ESFL Labor Working Group brings together a group of people committed to the labor movement, union organizing, and workers’ rights. The group meets monthly to discuss current events, to share information, and plan labor-oriented events at the East Side Freedom Library, such as the annual Labor Day Solidarity Picnic and annual Union Job and Resource Fair.
ESFL Labor & Solidarity Awards
The East Side Freedom Library’s Community Awards honor individuals and organizations who have been our partners and made an impact in our community in areas including equity, social justice, and labor.
The Labor & Solidarity Awards, as part of the ESFL Community Awards, honor organizations and labor unions for their partnership and contributions to further ESFL’s mission. These awards celebrate those who collaborate with ESFL for the greater good, protect workers’ rights, and demonstrate exceptional leadership in advocating for justice in the workplace.
Past recipients include:
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 292
- Million Artist Movement
- Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
- Minnesota Nurses Association
- Minnesota Uber/Lyft Drivers Association
- United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 1189
- Jamie Fitzpatrick
- Veronica Mendez Moore
- Greg Poferl
- Rose Roach
- Ruth Schultz
- Bruce Willms