Contract proposals, platform, Solidarity Day and Lobby Day all on Negotiations Committee agenda

Negotiations Committee members are making great headway toward a strong opening set of proposals. “We are coalescing on things we’re ready to go to the mat for – proposals that will help all members,” said Local 301’s Claudia Hochstein.

“It was a strategic decision to fight for proposals that are beneficial for our members and will activate them,” Negotiations Committee Co-Chair Adam Novotny said following the committee’s Jan. 27 meeting.

The Negotiations team has released a platform of the top priorities (see below for key priorities). “Have you signed on in support of the platform? We need you on board and ready to act,” said Negotiations Committee Co-Chair Kristin Kirchoff-Franklin.

For Minnesota to be the best state in the country we need a state workforce that is valued and respected. That value and respect starts with a fair and strong MAPE contract. MAPE is bargaining for:

• Wages that renew the State’s commitment to investing in workers who build careers that make Minnesota state services the best in the nation.
• Health care that prioritizes the well-being of MAPE members and their families over corporate profits or keeping a large SEGIP surplus.
• A workplace grounded in benefits, flexibility and equity that support modern families from Boomers to Gen Z.

Joining MAPE’s Contract Action Teams (CAT) is another way to help get the contract members want. MAPE can wield significant power representing more than 15,000 professional employees but only if we’re organized will we be better positioned for leadership to listen to and act on our proposals. Contact your regional Negotiations Representative for more information.

Negotiators will be participating in the upcoming Solidarity Saturday recruitment event on April 1. All MAPE members are invited to join the Organizing Council for the one day of member recruitment event. Participants will meet at the MAPE office in the morning, go out to recruit new members for the day and return to the MAPE office for an after party.

The Negotiations team and MAPE members will be returning to the Capitol this year for Lobby Day to help garner support for fully funding agencies which is essential to a strong MAPE contract and supporting members and their work.

Telling your story to a legislator is one of the most powerful actions you can take to help us get a good tentative contract agreement this year and to ensure agency funding in the budget. Register here