September 18, 2007
MAPE Quarterly Meet & Confer – Dept of Employment & Economic Development
MAPE: Dean Gunderson – UI, Robert Mayer – DDS, Jamie Fitzpatrick – WD, Judy Gibson – Labor Market Info, Rick Nelson – Business Agent, Ron Pederson – UI Chair
DEED: Jim Korrki – WD, Kathy Nelson – UI, Ed Valencia – BIT, Mary Oman – HR
1. 322 Minnesota Street Security Cameras and Fire Drill follow-up.
MAPE asked if all staff had been instructed in fire/evacuation procedures. DEED reported 18 of the 23 staff areas/zones within the First Bank Building have been instructed/walked through emergency procedures. Remaining areas are still to be scheduled.
It was also noted emergency procedures are in place for staff in the Metro Square Bldg.
MAPE inquired about the use of security cameras recently installed. Cameras were installed to deter/detect recent vandalism. DEED explained the cameras are fixed and focused on the areas of concern. Access to the tapes is limited. It was noted no vandalism has occurred since the installation.
2. Building concerns – Rochester WFC.
Rains have caused water damage and mold problems. MAPE voiced concerns over potential health hazards to staff. It cited the Cap Square mold problem. DEED explained the building owner had made repairs/cleaned. DOER inspectors are scheduled this week to check the building. Before commenting, DEED asked that they wait for the DOER report. Rochester Local Partners are working at relocating the facility. No date has been set as relocation could be a few years in the future. The standards are being written into the lease.
3. IT Reorganization.
MAPE asked for an update of the anticipated staffing changes in BIT. Due to the implementation of the UI system, several positions (as many as 14) will not be needed. It was explained that specific talents of an individual will no longer be needed. Based on present skills/duties, BIT staff has been designated as objective or application orientated by position. This process has already resulted in the elimination of BIT staff. MAPE questioned how this would effect layoff options. DEED believed other agencies would be able to use affected staff. A discussion regarding training ensued. MAPE provided an example of a request for training submitted over 30 days ago that has still not been responded to by BIT management. Management will look into this case. DEED said training opportunities have been around 3 times for the employees; as they do not want to set them up for failure. While no exact dates were given, the necessary staff levels will become more in focus after the new UI system has been implemented.
4. Vacation Limitation.
MAPE followed up on concerns expressed by members that vacation may be denied/curtailed during implementation of the new system. DEED reported no one has been denied. MAPE stated a member in a WFC has been granted the day before Christmas off. The employee was recently informed it may now be rescinded. The matter is to be reviewed.
5. Contacting out of work.
MAPE inquired if any duties or jobs covered by MAPE staff were to be contracted out. MAPE was informed there were no plans at this time. In August, 2007 the UI criminal investigative function was transferred to the Department of Commerce. The 2 year contract totals $190,000. Staff readjustments have not been finalized.
DEED noted there is a reorganization in BCD but no staff reductions are anticipated.
6. Future cuts/layoffs/reorganizations federal budget.
None were known at this time. Federal budget information is not yet complete. MAPE asked about UI funding 5 staff positions in Labor Management Information. DEED stated the funding is to be continued for this fiscal year.
MAPE questioned why the filing of a MAPE position in SE Minneapolis was described in news accounts as filled by appointment. DEED said that language was not approved or used by Human Resources. The position was posted and filled by open competition.
Submitted by Ron Pederson – Chair
