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Dear MDH MAPE members,
I want to take a moment to stand with you during this challenging period. As you are aware, the recent announcement from the MDH Commissioner regarding the federal government’s decision to terminate COVID-19 and pandemic funding for public health infrastructure has created significant concern. This cut, amounting to approximately $226 million, has the potential to affect many of us.
In a meeting held on Wednesday afternoon with MDH and our union partners, it was revealed that between 150 to over 200 positions across various bargaining units may be impacted. We recognize that this news is distressing, especially with MDH aiming to have layoff letters distributed as soon as Monday, March 31.
Please be assured that MAPE staff, alongside our meet and confer team, and I are actively engaging with MDH and MMB to secure meetings and advocate for layoff mitigation. While MDH management indicated time constraints on discussing MOU concerning layoff mitigation, our team remains diligent in seeking additional avenues of support and communication.
Until then, we encourage you to review your seniority roster for accuracy and familiarize yourself with Article 17 of our contract, which outlines important provisions regarding layoffs.
To keep you informed, we have our layoff page, which will continue to be updated. Please let us know if you receive layoff notice here so we can respond quickly.
If you have any questions or concerns, we urge you to reach out to your stewards, business agents or attend our upcoming meet and confer sessions. Our stewards are dedicated to collecting questions from members and are coordinating a meeting with management to obtain answers as soon as possible. Following that, we will arrange an informational meeting to share what we learn.
We understand that these times are difficult and uncertain. MAPE is committed to providing you with the support and information you need. Together, we will navigate through this period of hardship.
Thank you for you the work you do. In continued solidarity and support,
Megan Dayton
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