Delegates chart MAPE’s course at 2026 Delegate Assembly Members set the union’s direction, prepare for bargaining and celebrate the power of solidarity

MAPE delegates from across Minnesota gathered in Minneapolis Sept. 18-19 for the union’s 46th Delegate Assembly, setting priorities for the coming year as members prepare for another major contract campaign.

Throughout the two-day assembly, members reflected on what solidarity means — coming together in good times and bad, supporting one another and working collectively toward a better future for all.

“My appreciation goes out to all delegates for doing the work to come to DA prepped and ready for the business at hand, for the meaningful dialogue and discussion about how our union should run and for taking back the lessons learned to your locals to keep these conversations going,” MAPE President Nicole Juan said. “Giving your time to your union and putting in the work is how we build the muscle to fight for a strong working class and I am so excited to see what we can accomplish in the year ahead.”

The assembly had a full agenda, including the proposed 2027 budget, MAPE’s legislative platform and 14 resolutions — the most presented at a Delegate Assembly in recent history. Delegates discussed, debated and amended proposals covering topics such as membership structures, election procedures, a proposed organizational restructure, local funding, work-life balance and MAPE’s crisis fund and job-action policy.

Despite the volume of business, delegates completed the full agenda by the scheduled close of the assembly.

The Delegate Assembly is MAPE’s highest governing body. Delegates elected by each of MAPE’s 21 regions meet annually to establish the union’s policies, direction and budget. The assembly can approve budgets, levy dues, amend governing documents and establish election procedures. It is also the only body authorized to amend MAPE’s constitution.

Beyond the formal business, DA provided an opportunity for members from across the union to come together, learn from one another and build relationships across locals and state agencies.

For many members, that connection is one of the most valuable parts of the annual gathering.

Bringing members together from every corner of MAPE creates opportunities to share experiences, learn what is happening in other workplaces and strengthen relationships that extend well beyond the assembly. Those connections will be especially important as members prepare for bargaining next year.

“This is the work we need to do to build our power and show our strength at the bargaining table next year,” Juan said.

The assembly also gave members an opportunity to reflect on the union’s accomplishments and challenges during the past year. In her State of the Union address, Juan highlighted members’ organizing, political engagement, mutual aid and continued defense of public services.

MAPE’s Negotiations Committee has begun its work on the 2027-29 contract, guided in part by a survey completed by more than 4,800 members. Respondents ranked health care and wages as their leading priorities while also expressing strong interest in telework protections, restrictions on artificial intelligence and job security.

Negotiators and local Contract Action Teams are planning listening sessions to hear directly from members. Juan encouraged members to attend those sessions, share their priorities and become involved in the organizing needed to build collective power and win a strong contract.

Delegates also marked the 25th anniversary of the 2001 MAPE strike, recognizing the members who walked the picket line for two weeks to protect their healthcare. Annual awards celebrated members and locals whose service, organizing and engagement helped strengthen the union over the past year.

Members stepped up as volunteers in new ways throughout the event, helping with the voting system, running microphones and supporting other aspects of the assembly. MAPE’s Mutual Aid group hosted a gear swap, providing another opportunity for members to support one another and put solidarity into action.

The successful assembly was also the result of extensive work by the Delegate Assembly Planning Committee and MAPE staff, including the many behind-the-scenes tasks required to bring hundreds of members together for the union’s largest annual governing event.

Juan said that work — both visible and unseen — reflects what MAPE is capable of when members come together.

“Our fight is for a future where prosperity is shared, public services are strong and every Minnesotan can live with dignity and security,” Juan said. “So let us leave here united in principle and committed to action. Let us continue to organize, advocate and build power together. When workers stand together, we win. When we stand together, Minnesota succeeds. And when we fight for each other, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Solidarity forever.”

With the business of Delegate Assembly complete, the work now moves from Minneapolis back to MAPE’s 21 regions and individual locals — where delegates and members will carry those conversations forward, continue building relationships and prepare for the work ahead.