Approval of MAPE's 2013-15 contract recommended

Paves way for 3 percent raise

MAPE’s contract received tentative approval Friday by the legislative Subcommittee on Employee Relations (SER). The subcommittee voted 5 to 2 to recommend approval of MAPE’s contract, along with several other labor agreements. MAPE’s contract still needs approval by the 2014 Minnesota Legislature.

The interim approval paves the way for MAPE employees to receive their 3 percent across-the-board raise retroactive to July 1, 2013. MAPE employees’ 3 percent increase and retroactive pay will included in the Oct. 18, 2013, paychecks, according to Minnesota Management and Budget.

Voting “yes” to recommend approval of the labor agreements were: Sen. Chris Eaton, Sen. James Metzen, and Reps. Ryan Winkler, Leon Lillie and Debra Hillstrom, all DFL. Rep. Steve Drazkowski and Joyce Peppin voted no, both Republicans.

MAPE’s new 2013-15 contract also calls for a 3 percent across-the-board increase the second year of the two-year agreement, effective July 1, 2014. Additionally, eligible MAPE employees will receive a one-step salary increase annually each year of the agreement on their anniversary dates.

As far as health insurance, state employees will pay 5 percent for single premiums starting on Jan. 1, 2015. This agreement also increases members’ maximum benefit in dental plan coverage from $1,000 to $1,500.

Ninety-seven percent of MAPE members voting said “yes” to the new two-year agreement.

In addition to MAPE's contract SER also recommended approval of contracts for AFSCME Council 5, AFSCME Radio Communications Operators, AFSCME Corrections Officers, Middle Management Association, Minnesota Law Enforcement Association, and the Commissioners Compensation and Managerial plans.