Help MAPE’s DNR Wildland Firefighters Get the Equitable OT and Mandated R&R They Deserve

It has been an especially difficult fire season. Firefighters from across the DNR have been working tirelessly to protect Minnesota lives, property and natural resources from wildfires. This work was often accomplished in intense back-to-back 100-degree days.
 

Many across the state have praised the work of Minnesota wildland firefighters represented by MAPE, AFSCME and MMA. Yet longstanding issues remain with inconsistent overtime compensation and use of paid leave across the unions. With increasing demands and risks of wildfire response, DNR member Megan Eiting recently spoke with MPR about this inconsistent compensation structure and concerns around mandated rest and recuperation time: A Minnesota DNR firefighters union says pay issues are leading to burnout | MPR News 

DNR firefighters’ involvement in fighting wildland fires has drastically increased. Traditionally, fire season was primarily spring and fall. Now we are seeing an increasing number of fires during the summer months. Firefighters faced extreme heat, smoke and rapidly shifting conditions. Minnesota faced its first wildland firefighter death in decades.

We’ve been working on these issues for many years and just yesterday, DNR and MMB commissioners again did not agree to consistent contract language and treatment across the unions. We are asking members to stand up for your union siblings and take action. Please send the following email to DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen and MMB Commissioner Erin Campbell:


To: sarah.strommen@state.mn.us, erin.campbell@state.mn.us

Dear Commissioners Strommen and Campbell:

DNR employees who work long hours in dangerous conditions fighting the state’s wildfires deserve equitable overtime compensation and paid rest and recuperation time.

MAPE is not asking for unreasonable changes that affect all state employees. We are asking to be compensated in the same way as DNR wildland firefighters represented by other unions and allowed to accept federally reimbursable paid R&R. We want targeted solutions that apply when needed for wildland fire suppression – solutions that promote safety, improve morale and retention and align Minnesota with widely accepted national standards.

Despite the challenges, MAPE wildland firefighters remain committed to public service. Please resolve these issues by bargaining a MOU for the MAPE employees who provide wildland fire protection services for the citizens of Minnesota.

Sincerely,
(Your Name)