work

A new survey that polled hiring managers and workers on whether they swear at work found that 50 percent use profanity on the job in Minneapolis. Only six cities curse a bluer streak, including the most foul-mouthed of all: Washington, Denver and Chicago. Even New York at No. 9 is more polite than Minneapolis, according to the survey.

Leaders in the AFL-CIO, which produced the ad that starts airing Tuesday, says the bill is "a power grab" meant to weaken collective bargaining. Union members worry it would ultimately lead to less compensation for middle-class families, but Republican legislators behind the bill say it would attract new business and create jobs.

Union members by the hundreds filed into the state Capitol on Monday morning as a group of Senate lawmakers discussed a proposed constitutional amendment that would make it harder for unions to organize. Critics of the bill say it would lower wages and cut benefits for middle-class families. Supporters say it would help businesses create new jobs.

Union members are coming by the busload to protest a constitutional amendment that would end a requirement that some workers belong to unions. Labor leaders say it would only mean fewer jobs and lower pay.

Valley News reports American Crystal executives and union negotiators made no progress after yet another meeting. In a statement, executives said the union is ignoring the fact "times have changed dramatically" and that contracts must reflect those changes. The union says it has put forward new proposals but the company refuses to bargain.

A Mayo Clinic researcher says a third of Minnesotans are either already diabetic or on their way, and the culprit, according to Dr. James Levine, could be sitting. He's teaming up with other researchers at Mayo and the University of Minnesota to study how even a little activity, even standing, can improve health.

Edina-based Regis laid off about 15 percent of its corporate workforce, according to the Business Journal. The hair salon operator also posted higher-than-expected profits.

The machinery maker is planning a major expansion after striking a global distribution deal with Caterpillar. The company says the expansion will bring up to 300 new jobs to the city over the next six to eight years. It's the just latest in a series of good job news in Superior; Kestrel Aircraft earlier announced it would hire up to 600 workers to staff a new manufacturing center there.

"Moving from viewing time at the office as a sign of productivity to emphasizing actual results ... fosters healthy behavior and well-being," says a research team at the University of Minnesota. The study took a look what Best Buy calls its "Results Only Work Environment," which is supposed to focus only on results and free up employees to do the work when and where they wish. The study says the model shows numerous benefits.