MAPE kicks off contract negotiations with Gov. Walz

MAPE’s Negotiations Committee began meeting with the bargaining team from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) on April 11 regarding MAPE’s 2023-2025 contract. Gov. Tim Walz was present to hear MAPE’s presentation of its nine proposals. 

Walz, who noted he was probably the first governor to sit in at the start of negotiations, said, “I think what you will see is a fair and collaborative effort. This is the time to think broadly. I cannot stress enough the sacredness of collective bargaining.” 

Statewide MAPE President Megan Dayton said the Negotiations Team is excited to embark on a critical mission – the negotiation of a fair and competitive contract for over 16,000 dedicated employees represented by MAPE. “Public service is a noble calling that demands selflessness and unwavering dedication to the greater good. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MAPE members rose to the occasion, ensuring the continuity of state government. Our commitment remains steadfast, pandemic or not,” Dayton said.  

MAPE presented nine proposals including telework, student loan reimbursement, across-the-board increases, temporary unclassified workers, definition of family, length of service credit, vacation accrual, deferred compensation and meal reimbursement.  

MMB had 105 proposals including those trying to limit our union rights, attacking seniority, adding emergency layoffs and other issues. 

“It is important for our members to have security in their work and not fear having their telework arrangements altered arbitrarily. Union Proposal 1 will create a fair standard for granting and revoking telework agreements. It will also create a reasonable notice period for those cancellations,” Negotiations Co-Chair Adam Novotny said.    

MAPE members of all ages, like other American workers, are affected by mountains of student debt. Union Proposal 8 would expand the student loan reimbursement program, currently a pilot project, and preserve it in the main body of our next contract. This would allow agencies to plan ahead and budget to offer this benefit without risk of a sunset date.  

MAPE members made sacrifices for the greater good, but now is the time to address the growing gap between our dedicated professionals and their private sector counterparts.

"Now with Minnesota’s historic budget surplus and a shared dedication to fully fund state government, we propose bold increases of 11 percent the first year and 10 percent in the second year,” said Dayton. “This is a vital step toward ensuring the State of Minnesota remains competitive and can continue to attract and retain the best public servants.” 

Minnesota is not alone in its struggle to attract and retain top talent. States across the nation grapple with similar issues. Now is the time for us to join those implementing historic pay raises to secure the best employees and foster a competitive workforce.  

“As top state officials, judges and legislators prepare for raises this year, we must also prioritize our dedicated workforce,” Dayton said.  

Yesterday, MAPE negotiators texted thousands of members to update them on the two-day bargaining session. “We’ve spent about 18 hours working through negotiations with the State's team. We’ve met with them a handful of times; we did feel like we had a chance to do things differently this year compared to our negotiations meetings two years ago,” Novotny said. 

“I think the team is excited about the level of engagement with folks, both one-on-one conversations but also our rapid response texting team had thousands of conversations with folks today informing them where we’re at with opening proposals and asking them to join in the organizing fight with us,” he added. 

Dayton urged all members to remain involved and informed, “Attend meetings, share your experiences and rally your fellow members to do the same. Remember, our collective strength gives us power to make meaningful change in this contract and in the state of Minnesota. We are not asking for the impossible in this contract. We are seeking a fair and just contract that reflects our dedication and the invaluable contributions we make to the state every single day." 

Sign on in support of these proposals.