Macalester union vote set for June 10

More than 250 Macalester staff are one step closer to joining MAPE. The stipulated election agreement for Macalester’s new bargaining unit has been fully executed, and the election is scheduled for June 10.  

“This is a huge milestone in our organizing efforts and we’re celebrating this progress,” MAPE President Megan Dayton said. “We’re not done yet, but this is a big step forward.” 

Macalester organizers will spend the next few weeks on getting out the vote. Rachel Weeks is one of those organizers on staff, and when she’s not working in the college’s Civic Engagement Center, she’s likely to be advocating for worker-led positive change on campus. 

"Those of us who show up to implement the work of the college on a daily basis understand what we're worth. We know that our working conditions are students' learning conditions, and that it matters that we're here,” Weeks said. “It's time for Macalester to live up to its stated values in how we are treated and compensated, and long past time for us to have a seat at the table when it comes to the terms of our own employment and the learning conditions of the students we serve." 

With this executed agreement, MAPE was able to avoid a hearing, where the outcome could have resulted in a lengthy appeal by the employer. 

“We’ve seen firsthand how anti-union forces weaponize procedural delays to deny workers their voice,” Dayton added. “I’m thrilled to see organizers on campus continuing their excitement and momentum to bring the power of a union contract to hundreds of their colleagues on campus.”