We are Minnesota's Hospitality Union! H.E.R.E., the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees union, was formed in 1891 and merged with UNITE in 2004.
Local 17 is a branch of UNITE HERE, an International labor union that combines industrial and textile workers (the former UNITE union) and hospitality workers (the former HERE union). We have over 500,000 members in the United States and are working non-stop to organize more. In the Twin Cities area, Local 17 represents roughly 6,000 workers in hotels, restaurants, bars, caterers, cafeterias, spor
06/19/2026
Fika and Slate & Stone Catering workers at the voted unanimously to approve their FIRST collective bargaining agreement!
Highlights of the agreement are:
A PENSION
Union Healthcare
BIG raises
&
More vacation and holidays
Congrats to these amazing workers! Just in time for everyone to go celebrate MIdsommar at ASI!!
06/14/2026
Local 17 Organizer Adil accepted the 2026 Labor Notes Troublemaker Award on behalf of Twin Cities Workers Who Turned Back the ICE Surge. Solidarity is our power!
06/11/2026
BREAKING:
DNC Concessions Workers at Target Field to Strike June 22
Workers are fighting for fair wages and health insurance; the union calls on fans to bring their own food to Minnesota Twins vs Los Angeles Dodgers game, not cross picket line by purchasing food or drink!
“We are frustrated. Instead of respecting the workers who make it possible for fans to have fun at Target Field, DNC has offered us pennies and left us no choice but to strike,” said Sheigh Freeberg, Secretary Treasurer, UNITE HERE Local 17. “With what DNC charges for food and beer, they can afford fair wages and healthcare for workers. Workers shouldn’t worry about losing their job to technology or volunteers.”
Workers are calling on fans to not purchase concessions if they attend the Twins vs Dodgers game on June 22 – and bring their own food instead. Per the stadium’s Information Guide, “outside food is allowed into Target Field. Hard-sided containers (Tupperware, hard-sided coolers, Thermos’) are not allowed... No outside food may be brought into any bar, restaurant, or suite areas at Target Field.”
06/10/2026
BREAKING:
06/10/2026
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR: THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026
CONTACT: Sheigh Freeberg, [email protected], 651-497-7573
DNC Concessions Workers at Target Field to Announce Strike
WHO: Concessions workers - employed by Delaware North Company (DNC) - who serve Twins fans food and drinks at Target Field. The nearly 500-person unit is represented by UNITE HERE Local 17, Minnesota’s hospitality workers union.
WHAT: A press conference outside Target Field where workers will announce the date for a strike.
WHERE: 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403
WHEN: Thursday, June 11 at 10:15 am
WHY: DNC concessions workers at Target Field make minimum wage and do not have access to healthcare through their employer. They are fighting for a new contract with fair wages, affordable healthcare, and job protections.
On May 1, workers voted by 81% to authorize a strike if necessary.
The bargaining committee for Local 17 has been committed to avoiding a strike through good faith bargaining. Unfortunately, the company has not had that same commitment and has forced the committee to authorize a strike.
NOTE: Workers will be available for interviews after the press conference.
# # #
UNITE HERE Local 17 is Minnesota’s hospitality workers’ union, representing over 6,000 workers in hotels, airport restaurants, sports stadiums, craft beverage makers, university cafeterias, and more.
06/03/2026
Join us for the Seven Days In June Candlelight Vigil this Friday!
The Candlelight Vigil is a call to lift HEALTHCARE as a governing priority. We will call for meaningful access, affordability, and equity in healthcare for all communities. We will call on protecting our Domestic and Global public health throughout our system/s.
Sign Up Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/candlelight-vigil-tickets-1990181023014?aff=oddtdtcreator
Although the boss didn’t present a single proposal at the last bargaining session the workers made sure their voices were heard.
They are STRIKE READY! Are the Minnesota Twins going to let a strike happen?
05/22/2026
🚨🚨🚨STRIKE WATCH TARGET FIELD
Target Field workers showed up ready to bargain but unfortunately the boss showed up to play games. They brought no proposals and canceled bargaining after 2 hours.
It's absolutely disrespectful that the Minnesota Twins allows their concessionaire to treat workers that way!
These workers are STRIKE READY!