MAPE at Macalester negotiations kick off

Nov. 17 update

 

The MAPE at Macalester Bargaining Team held its second meeting with college officials on Nov. 14. We are continuing to pass proposals back and forth across the table to protect the benefits important to us and seek to make improvements rooted in the feedback we received from everyone who filled out our survey. We are interested in common sense proposals and accepted minor changes to the employer’s language in the spirit of moving negotiations forward.

We’ve begun discussing issues important to all workers, including those of us at Macalester, such as seniority, grievances and vacation. We have confirmed six additional dates through early March and will share them as soon as locations are determined. The next day of bargaining is planned for Dec. 19.

It was gratifying to see so many of you attend the recent Contract Action Teams (CAT) meeting and sign up to be CAT leaders. This will be an exciting new way to communicate with everyone, in addition to email updates like these and all-BU meetings.

Nov. 9 update

After winning an election to represent more than 200 non-faculty staff at Macalester College in June, the MAPE at Macalester Bargaining Team started negotiating their first-ever contract late October and will have its second all-day negotiations meeting on Friday, Nov. 14. 

The elected bargaining team consists of five Macalester workers, with support from MAPE’s president, business agents and communications team. Macalester Help Desk Manager Jacob Dorer set the tone for the day when he shared with the four Macalester representatives, “Our team has a combined 72 years of employment history with the College and three of us are alumni. We have a long-standing history with the College, and we are excited to enter this new chapter together.” 

The MAPE team thanked Macalester administration for meeting, and for engaging in good faith bargaining with openness and respect.  

“We see this as an opportunity to build on our existing foundation of trust for a strong, fair and lasting working relationship between the College and its current and future employees,” Dorer added. “This is an important moment for Macalester — one that reflects the continued evolution of a community built on mutual respect, shared purpose and a deep commitment to the College’s mission and strategic plan goals to foster employee well-being.” 

MAPE presented six opening proposals, many of which are foundational elements of a collective bargaining agreement like the preamble, recognition, representation and dues checkoff and more. MAPE President Megan Dayton lauded those in the room for embarking on the journey to the first MAPE at Macalester contract in the history of both organizations. 

“This is a milestone for the people who work at the college and for the institution,” Dayton said. “We see these six proposals as the foundation for this new CBA - stability, fairness and mutual respect for our working relationship. These proposals affirm Macalester staff are committed to maintaining the values of the college, and staff deserve to have their voices heard.” 

The team did secure one tentative agreement (TA) on day one – the savings clause. MAPE at Macalester members are working to build a Contract Action Team that will organize and support negotiations through actions, communications and escalation. If you are a Macalester alumni or advocate who would like to help support the Macalester team in upcoming negotiations actions, please complete this form.