Macalester College staff vote to unionize with MAPE

After months of organizing, Macalester College staff have voted to join the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE), forming a new bargaining unit of non-faculty, non-supervisory employees. 

“This is a major milestone for workers at Macalester College,” said MAPE President Megan Dayton. “They now join more than 18,000 professionals across the state, including over 1,000 colleagues in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.” 

Dayton praised the organizing team for their determination. “When their employer refused to voluntarily recognize the union, these workers didn’t back down. They stood firm and sent a clear message that they want a seat at the table and a say in their workplace conditions.” 

“As a Macalester alumnus, this campus is where I first became class-conscious. More than a decade later, I now work here. I have never loved a job as much as I do this one and love the Macalester community. I hope I, along with my coworkers, stay here for a long time--but we need stability and fair compensation to do that,” said Margie Banker, Department Coordinator, and newly unionized staff member. “Joining MAPE gives us a voice and a path to better working conditions, job security and a living wage. We voted yes because we deserve to be heard.” 

“Macalester is known for its commitments to justice and equity, and those values fit perfectly with a union that works to uplift staff. Joining MAPE is how we will collaborate with college leadership and each other to protect the benefits we already enjoy, make improvements where we can, and strengthen our community’s well-being during these uncertain times,” said Jake Mohan, Writing Support Coordinator in the Writing Center. 

Dayton added, “They know their worth, and they know a union will help ensure they’re treated with the dignity and respect they’ve earned. We hope the Macalester administration approaches this first contract with the same spirit of collaboration our members are bringing to the table.” 

Earlier this year, student workers at Macalester also voted to unionize, forming the Macalester Undergraduate Workers’ Union. 

MAPE is Minnesota’s largest state government union, representing 18,000 professional employees across state agencies and public and private institutions.