MAPE Guide to Practice Informational Picketing
Join your fellow union members on the informational MAPE picket line while we practice for what may come and show the State we are ready to stick together and push for the contract we deserve!
All MAPE Members should participate in practice informational picketing at their worksites.
The entire toolkit is available on the webpage below.
Printable copies are available as downloadable files.
General Information
The following information should serve as a guide to how to practice picket at your own worksite:
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MAPE is NOT on strike! Schedule and attend practice picketing events on personal time.
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Hold your picketing at the location with the most visibility around your worksite as possible. Stay on public property (i.e. public sidewalks).
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Communicate with your colleagues ahead of time about meeting time and place, duration of the event and attire.
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Bring water, snacks and be sure to wear MAPE swag!
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Use MAPE-provided signs and/or host a sign-making party near the event. Do NOT call this a strike – we are just practicing!
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Offer rally signs and flyers to local businesses and restaurants to place in their windows as a show of solidarity.
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Invite your friends, family, colleagues and community-based collaborative groups you are a part of to participate in the practice pickets.
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Make sure you and everyone else signs in on the sign-in sheets, and ensure the Picketing Captain retains those so we can demonstrate the strength of our action through participation!
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Be sure to picket in a safe location and follow all traffic laws.
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Be LOUD, PROUD and POSITIVE in support of state workers!
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Refer to the Practice Picketing Toolkit for resources like chants, slogan ideas for picket signs, FAQs, media guides, talking points and more.
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Take lots of photos and video for a chance to be featured on our social media pages. Send all photos and videos to MAPE’s DropBox.
Practice Picket FAQ
Q: Why are we holding informational practice pickets (practice picketing)?
A: We are practice picketing to send a message to Governor Walz, his administration, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) and the public that we are getting ready to do what we must do to protect our health insurance and get a fair contract.
Q: Can I get in trouble at work for participating in a practice picket?
A: If you participate on non-work time (i.e. break time, off-hours time, etc.), and follow the rules MAPE provides, you should not get in trouble with work for participating in a practice picket, as these are informational.
Q: Is there any risk?
A: Yes, there is always risk when participating in actions. This is NOT A STRIKE LINE so we all must be mindful of our conduct while participating. Please be sure to follow the rules outlined by your practice picketing captains and by MAPE in official communications.
Q: What are the most important DOs and DON’Ts of a Practice Picket?
- DO coordinate with your colleagues to participate in these actions.
- DO use personal time or approved personal leave to participate.
- DO wear MAPE swag.
- DO post your practice picketing action on social media using suggestions below.
- DO NOT participate in these actions during work time.
- DO NOT stop working to participate if you’re on the clock.
- DO NOT be late back to work, if participating on a break or at lunch.
- DO NOT encourage your colleagues to stop working to participate.
- DO NOT use the official MMB logo on your handmade signs.
- DO NOT create any signs with inappropriate language or symbols.
- DO NOT cause a disruption at the picketing site (e.g. let passersby through your crowd, do not block doorways, etc.)
Q: Are we asking members to stop working?
A: NO. The goal of practice picketing is to raise awareness and show strength. Again, MAPE IS NOT ON STRIKE. This is not the same as a strike line.
Q: What are we asking people to do, then?
A: We are asking members to hold informational picketing events as a show of strength and solidarity.
Q: Can I yell at, scream at, or otherwise loudly express my discontent to managers/supervisors/colleagues who continue working?
A: No. We are going to be loud, proud, and POSITIVE. We have the moral high ground here and should conduct ourselves accordingly.
Q: Who else can I encourage to join us on the practice picket line?
A: Because this is not a strike line nor a work stoppage, you can invite friends and family, and state employees can participate on their own time (not during their scheduled work hours). Use this time to educate the public and those around you about why MAPE is practice picketing, and teach folks how to get involved and support state workers.
Expectations on the Picket line FAQ
INFORMATIONAL or PRACTICE PICKET
Q: What is expected of me on the picket line?
A: Every MAPE member should be an active participant on the practice picket line. That means maintaining a presence on the line, helping to keep up morale, participating in chants and marches and making sure to maximize visibility. Note: this is meant to be a very public, visible action, and our conduct should reflect that responsibility.
Q: How do I act on the picket line?
A: Emotions can run high on any picket line (including practice lines). It’s exciting, and a little nerve-wracking to tell your boss they’re not valuing you appropriately. It is important that we always act professionally and that we are aware that in today’s world, all our actions are recorded and documented. Strive to be good stewards of the area we are picketing by keeping it neat and clean, don’t destroy property and don’t get into arguments with passersby, your fellow MAPE members, or even the bosses, if they come out.
Q: What happens when somebody crosses the practice picket line?
A: “Crossing the picket line” means continuing to perform work while your colleagues in the union are on strike, or it can refer to entering any building where an active strike is occurring. Remember, MAPE is not on strike. Crossing a practice picket line, while it might give folks pause (and it probably should), is not something that we should be discouraging. Just as you should be working when you’re on the clock right now, so should your colleagues.
Q: What do I do if my colleagues violate these conduct guidelines?
A: Remind your colleagues of the need to conduct ourselves in a civil, professional manner, as all eyes will be on us. If the behavior continues, report the violation immediately to your Practice Picketing Captain.
Q: What are the Dos and Don’ts of conduct on the picket line?
- DO follow the safe, lawful instructions of the Picket Captain always.
- DO peacefully demonstrate, stay on public property (i.e. public sidewalks) in areas with the most visibility possible.
- DO peacefully persuade others who are off the clock to join the practice picket lines.
- DO explain the reason we are practicing and share our talking points.
- DO make a creative, clever practice picket sign. If you leave the designated area, lower your sign as you leave, or leave it with someone else.
- DO chant loudly and with enthusiasm - use chants, provided by MAPE in the toolkit.
- DO maintain a clean practice picket area.
- DO report for work at your regularly scheduled time.
- DO coordinate with your colleagues to participate in these actions.
- DO use personal time or approved personal leave to participate.
- DO bring bells and whistles that have been approved by the Picket Captain.
- DO wear your MAPE swag.
- DO post your practice picketing action social media.
- DON’T call it a strike – we are just practicing.
- DON’T participate in these actions during work time.
- DON’T stop working to participate if you’re on the clock.
- DON’T swarm anyone entering or leaving the building.
- DON’T be late back to work, if participating on a break or at lunch.
- DON’T encourage your colleagues to stop working to participate.
- DON’T create any signs with inappropriate language or symbols.
- DON’T cause a disruption at the picketing site (e.g. let passersby through your crowd, do not block doorways, etc.)
- DON’T block traffic or otherwise violate any traffic laws.
- DON’T cause damage to public, state, or anyone else’s property.
- DON’T get in heated exchanges.
- DON’T threaten anyone with bodily or property harm (explicit or implied).
- DON’T engage in arguments. Avoid confrontations. Do not make physical contact with anyone, under any circumstances. Do not throw anything.
- DON’T behave in an intimidating manner. This includes displaying or imitating carrying weapons, following individuals, making comments/references about individuals, their families, or commenting even vaguely threatening comments.
- DON’T get arrested. If approached by law enforcement, be cooperative.
- DON’T in any way obstruct entrances or exits of the premises.
- DON’T picket in the streets or on any private property that is not pre-designated by your Picketing Captain, who will have obtained approval.
- DON’T interfere with, or swarm, persons or vehicles entering or leaving the worksite.
Practice Picket Public Handout
Who are we
We are proud employees of the State of Minnesota! We work to keep the systems and services Minnesota offers running for all of us. We represent more than 18,000 workers from accountants at the Department of Revenue to zoologists at the Minnesota Zoo.
Every citizen of, and visitor to, Minnesota benefits from the work state workers do.
Why are we here
Gov. Walz and Minnesota Management and Budget are attempting to balance the budget on hard working public workers. This is unacceptable. We deserve better. Minnesotans deserve better than an understaffed, underpaid and over-worked public work force.
We are prepared to do whatever it takes to win a good contract. We are practice picketing to send a message to Gov. Walz, his administration, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) and the public that we are getting ready to protect our health insurance and get a fair contract at all costs. We do NOT want to strike and impact services for Minnesotans. Balancing the budget on our backs impacts all of us, and Minnesota public services are worth fighting for.
What can I do?
Contact Governor Walz and demand he and his team come to the table with real solutions and proposals, not take backs and cutbacks. Demand his bargaining team (MMB) does better to address the concerns brought to them by their workers and pulls back the dramatic health care cost increases they are proposing.
Call Today: 651-201-3400
Talk to your neighbors about the importance of public workers and the systems we protect. Ask them to call the Governor too!
Media talking points if they approach you
The point of these events is to show we are getting ready to do what we must. As such, you may be approached by the media at any point while participating in Informational Practice Picketing (Practice Picketing). You should direct any reporters to your Picketing Captain. Here are some talking points to help you convey MAPE’s message and avoid getting yourself in trouble at work while participating in these events.
Purpose
We are here to:
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We will do what is needed to get a fair contract.
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Do NOT balance the budget on hard-working public servants.
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We bargain in good faith for livable wages and affordable health care.
Talking Points
Why are you out here today?
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Millions of Minnesotans will not receive the critical services they need because the State doesn’t want to pay its workers fairly.
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State workers are being asked to do more with less; through pay cuts proposed at the bargaining table, budget cuts proposed at the legislature and layoffs proposed by the White House.
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We keep the state running and were offered outrageously high health care cost increases while at the same time offered no/miniscule raises to pay for these health care increases. Our wages lag behind the private sector because we have traded health care for wages and now they want to come after our health care without improving our wages.
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MAPE members and their families’ health care premiums could go up over 200% by January, and out-of-pocket costs could increase by two-thirds. Much of this is due to repeated budget mistakes made by SEGIP. It is not fair to balance the budget on the backs of the workers who keep the state running.
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With its latest contract offer, we are not even breaking even working for the State. It will be tougher than ever for the State to retain and recruit employees.
Is MAPE prepared to strike?
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The only way to make sure we get a fair contract is to band together and let the governor know we are ready to fight. We will fight like we always have: together and with solidarity.
MAPE Social Media Guide
Important first steps
- Follow @MAPEunion on Facebook, Instagram, X and BlueSky
Best Practices
- Tag @Mapeunion
- Tag @Mapeunion for a chance to be featured on our social media!
- Include one or more of the recommended hashtags (below) in each post.
- Include photos of your practice picket.
- Personalize your posts!
Hashtags to use
#MAPEStrong
#WeDoTheWork
#ValueWorkers
#JustPracticing
#FairContract
#UnionStrong
#1u
Sample Posts
[X] number of members from @MAPEunion Local [NUMBER] were out info picketing today to raise awareness of the important work we do for MN and that we deserve a #FairContract! #WeDotheWork #MAPEStrong #1u
The health care increases proposed by SEGIP out outrageous! Public workers deserve better! Members from @MAPEunion Local [NUMBER] are out doing practice pickets because they cannot balance the budget on the backs of workers. #UnionStrong #JustPracticing #MAPEStrong
I’m standing with @MAPEunion Local [NUMBER] because state workers deserve a #FairContract! #1u
Our @MAPEunion members are the reason the state works. #WeDotheWork and we deserve affordable health care, not the price gouging proposed by SEGIP! #InfoPicket #MAPEStrong
Chant Sheet
Who’s got the power?/We’ve got the power!
What kind of power?/Union power!
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Everywhere we go / Everywhere we go
People want to know / People want to know
Who we are / Who we are
So we tell them / So we tell them
We are the union / We are the union
The mighty, mighty union / The mighty, mighty union
Fighting for people / Fighting for people
Standing with workers / And standing with workers
*****
I don’t know but I’ve been told / I don’t know but I’ve been told
Workers here are mighty bold/ Workers here are mighty bold
There’s one thing that’s clear to me/There’s one thing that’s clear to me
Workers here have unity/Workers here have unity
Lies and threats will not divide/Lies and threats will not divide
Workers standing side by side/Workers standing side by side!
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What do we want? Contract (repeat 3 times)
When do we want it? Now (repeat 3 times)
Insert other words for Contract: ie., Healthcare,
*****
Layoff rights are here to stay/ Layoff rights are here to stay
We won’t back down or go away/ We won’t back down or go away
*****
1,2,3,4 / 1,2,3,4
we won’t take it anymore/ we won’t take it anymore
5,6,7,8 / 5,6,7,8
sit down and negotiate/ sit down and negotiate
*****
When I say union, you say power Union/power, union/power (repeat)
When I say MAPE, you say power MAPE/power, MAPE/power (repeat)
Guide for Practice Picketing Captains
Q: Who/what is a Practice Picketing Captains (eventual Strike Captains)?
A: Practice Picketing Captains are MAPE member leaders volunteering their time to coordinate a picket line at a given worksite or other location. They dedicate their time outside of the picketing times to ensure that each picketing event runs smoothly.
Q: What are a Practice Picketing Captain’s responsibilities?
A: Practice Picketing Captains are responsible for setting up the picket line on-site, ensuring everyone participating has signed in, transmitting participation data back to MAPE after the picketing is concluded, documenting any problems or issues, working to keep up morale, and ensuring all participants’ health and safety.
Q: How do I become a Practice Picketing Captain?
A: If you are interested in becoming a Practice Picketing Captain, fill out the sign-up form.
Q: Is there training available to Practice Picketing Captains?
A: Yes. Practice Picketing Captains should reach out to their regional LCAT, CAT or Local leaders to discuss how to become a Practice Picketing Captain. There is also a Practice Picketing Captain Toolkit.
Q: How much time does it take?
A: Practice Picketing Captain’s duties should take no more than approximately 2 - 3 hours each week – about a half hour of set-up and clean-up on-site, an hour of picketing, and a half hour to an hour of communicating with your colleagues to encourage their participation on the picket line.
Q: Are there any physical restrictions?
A: Practice Picketing Captains should be able to be on location, outdoors, for up to an hour or two at a time (depending on when you schedule your Practice Pickets) and will have to supply their own seating if they cannot stand for that entire time.
Q: Will I get in trouble?
A: While all member actions always come with some risk, you should not get in trouble as long as you follow all the Practice Picketing guidelines. If you find yourself getting written up or otherwise disciplined as a result of your participation in Practice Picketing, be sure to contact your business agent.
Q: Will MAPE provide me with materials?
A: MAPE will provide Practice Picketing Captains with signs and markers for the events.
Q: Can I get reimbursed for purchasing things I feel are needed?
A: Any reimbursements must be preapproved by your Local leadership and membership. Another option is to encourage your colleagues to bring materials to share. There is power in numbers!
Q: Will my info be released to the public?
A: Yes. Practice Picketing Captains will be providing their contact information and worksite location to MAPE for the purposes of posting on the MAPE website for other members and nonmember supporters to see, so they know who to contact with questions about their local Practice Picketing actions.
Q: Will I have to speak to the media?
A: Practice Picketing Captains should be prepared to speak to the media or should assign someone each day who is prepared to speak to the media. MAPE will provide Practice Picketing Captains with media training and talking points or designate a contact person.
Q: Are Practice Picketing Captains charged with people’s safety at these events?
A: While no one can always control everyone’s safety, yes, the Practice Picketing Captain should do their best to ensure that everyone (those on the practice picketing line and everyone else) are interacting in a safe and courteous manner.
Q: How often do I need to have a Practice Picketing Event?
A: MAPE’s goal is for each worksite to have a Practice Picketing line each week to send a strong message. We recommend you organize a picket during your lunch hour, but it doesn’t have to be!
Q: Can I have a co-captain?
A: You can! Make sure you both sign up at the same time and specify the same worksite.
Q: Who should Practice Picketing Captains invite to participate?
A: Anyone who wants to participate is welcomed! You should reach out to folks in your worksite to participate with you, invite your friends and family to join too.
Q: Will I have to interact with the police?
A: Practice Picketing Captains may have to interact with the police if they come out. As the union’s on-site liaison, you are charged with ensuring everyone interacts in a manner that is professional and upholds MAPE’s image as respectful, peaceful, calm workers who are standing up for our value in the face of this Administration who touts our work and fair pay for all, but won’t pay us equitably for that work. With that comes the duty to be the calming representative should the police or security come to your picket. Here is what that looks like:
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Introduce yourself and ask if they need anything from you as the picket captain.
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If they ask you to move to a different location, remind them the sidewalk is public property and let them know when the picket will be done.
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If they are concerned about something specific, ask about it and keep asking questions until they’ve effectively communicated the issue.
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If police or security are creating a hostile situation, get their name, badge number and contact information for their supervisor. Always try not to escalate the situation and keep communication respectful.