Graduate students at the University of Minnesota are taking another shot at unionization. This time proponents of the idea have joined up with the United Auto Workers. A vote to organize would mean students would be obligated to pay dues (even non-members), and the school would be obligated to bargain in good faith.

Graduate assistants at the U of M filed a claim alleging the school tried to stifle talks about unionization and attempts to organize. MPR reports the Bureau of Mediation Services ruled there was no proof the university interfered with the election. In March, grad assistants voted 62 percent against a union and 38 percent in favor of it -- the fifth time the assistants have tried to join a union.

Graduate assistants at the University of Minnesota have voted against a move to form a union with the help of the United Auto Workers, the Minnesota Daily reports.

The United Auto Workers claims administration at the University of Minnesota unfairly affected the outcome of a unionization vote.

The Ramsey County judge who blocked a unionization vote by child care workers ruled that Governor Dayton had exceeded his authority by ordering the vote without involving the Legislature. Dayton says he disagrees with the ruling but has decided against an appeal.

As Minnesotans observe the Labor Day holiday, statistics reveal the number of union members in the state continues to erode. At its peak in 1992, the rate of union membership in Minnesota was at 22 percent. In 2011 it was at 15.1 percent, down from 15.6 percent in 2010.