Contract Negotiations: Get Involved

Get ready for 2027-2029 contract negotiations.

MAPE and AFSCME Council 5 are teaming up again for the 2027-2029 contract negotiations cycle. Negotiators are committed to working closely together this cycle, hosting joint town hall meetings, planning worksite visits, inviting other unions to join in and taking additional actions.

Our contract expires in June of 2027.

Next year, we expect management to try to:

Hike health care premiums and deductibles
Cut wages and freeze steps
Threaten layoffs and enhance layoff language
Gut seniority language
Pit our unions against each other

If Management forces us to strike, ARE YOU READY?

Ensure you are a dues-paying member.
Join a Contract Action Team (CAT).
Attend a Strike Basics Training.
(We don’t want to go on strike, but have to be ready if management decides to play hardball)
Contact Legislators.
Start saving.

2025-2027 Contract

Last round, we secured a contract that protected health care, delivered wage increases, maintained step increases and prevented FMLA from being cut. We didn’t allow them to erase what we earned. Just like we wouldn’t let MMB shift $2,500-$4,500 per year in health care costs onto members. We fought back the most aggressive health care cost increases in recent memory, saving members thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses and protecting the current health care plan we earned.

We held the line. For the first time, MAPE’s and AFSCME’s Negotiations Teams bargained side-by-side, uniting the State’s two largest state government unions at the table. The partnership amplified the voices of tens of thousands of public employees and sent a clear message that we are stronger together.

The contract wasn’t perfect. But it was progress. It was protection. And it’s proof that when members organize, we win.

2027-2029 Contract

Landing page links for MAPE and AFSCME here or bottom of page?

This is going to be another tough contract cycle. Federal money is being stolen from the states. Traditionally, Minnesota could depend on the federal government to provide roughly one-third of our state budget but that is no longer something we can depend on.

Minnesota needs to stand strong in our commitment to public service and the common good. Fully funded state agencies must be a priority so Minnesotans can receive the programs and services they need and deserve. To do this, we need to raise revenue. We all pay our taxes and it’s time that the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share, too. That’s why we’re supporting a fifth tier income tax bracket.

This highlights why it is so important to elect leaders this November who are supportive of labor and fair taxes for all.

Statewide Strike Training 2025
Watch the recording

Strike Information

Photo Actions

Take a picture of you/a group of members holding up a sign, fill in the question on the template, and send your picture to us.

“Why is health insurance important to you?” PDF/Word template

Update your information

We want to make sure we have the most accurate information in the portal for you in case we need to organize ourselves using only personal emails or texts. Also, make sure your personal address is up to date. Thank you!

Here's a video showing how to access the portal and update your information.

Ongoing Solidarity Actions

1. Use one of the MAPE Virtual Backgrounds for all of your virtual meetings.

2. Wear MAPE gear

Need gear? Contact your Local or order online.

3. Send us a picture of you wearing MAPE gear, wearing a MAPE button or holding a sign on social.

Send pictures to the MAPE DropBox.
Post your picture on social media tag @MAPEunion and use hashtag #MAPEContract.

4. Engage with MAPE content on social.

5. Share why this contract is important to you.

Why is the work you do important to Minnesotans? Why is telework important to you? Why is the state's healthcare plan important to you?

Contract Action Teams

A Contract Action Team (CAT) is a group of members working together to amplify the work of the Negotiations Committee and union during the contract negotiations process that is going on right now. CAT work includes mobilizing fellow members to participate in contract actions that may include:

attending an event to show support for the contract
contacting Legislators
posting on social media
sign a petition
march on the boss
showing solidarity by wearing MAPE gear
and more!

MAPE is your union and this is your contract. Being a part of your Region’s CAT is the way to make sure we win the best contract possible. Not sure your Local? Look it up here.

Leaders of the CATs

MAPE’s Regional Negotiators may be the ones at the table during contract negotiations, but our Contract Action Teams (CATs) play an equally crucial role. The CATs are the groups in each region that support the work of the negotiators by organizing their members to be ready to act. The leads of these teams (LCATs) are volunteer leaders who plan listening sessions, contact members and ensure their regions are ready to show up when the negotiators need to show our strength at the bargaining table. Contact your LCAT below to get involved, or fill out this form.

2025-2027 Contract Cycle LCATs

Region	LCAT	Region	LCAT
1	Doug Leung	11	Sophie Polonsky
2	Julia Tabbut Maddy Kluesner	12	Franklin Martin Melissa Newburgh
3	Aviva Meyerhoff Meridel Phillips	13	Jenny McDougal
4	Lee Sullivan Michael Yost	14	Ariel Johnson
5	Rachel Horne Nathan Wilson	15	Brent Mason
6	Rachel Wittkopp	16	Aarica Burke
7	Axelina Swenson	17	David Clanaugh
801	C had Hermes Lydia Anthony Shawna Gibson	18	Nate Mullendore
802	Theresa St. Aaoro	19	Gabby Cahow
9	Meridith Richmond Azra Thakur	20	Kristine Hernandez
1002	Holly Andersen	21	Christine Retkwa

Email Cynthia Isaacson for changes to your regional LCAT.

Sign up for Text Messages

Be the first to know the latest contract details! Sign up for text messages.