MAPE Members Buckle Down at 2026 Negotiations Convention Negotiators and Meet and Confer Chairs come together to prepare for next year’s bargaining and identify priorities for MAPE members

MAPE members gathered Friday, Aug. 28 at the Shoreview Community Center for the 2026 Negotiations Convention, bringing together members of the Negotiations Committee and Meet and Confer Chairs to prepare for next year’s contract negotiations.

The convention provided an opportunity for members involved in negotiations and meet and confer processes to connect, share ideas and discuss issues that could be most pivotal when MAPE heads to the bargaining table next year.

Throughout the event, participants discussed the outlook for the upcoming negotiations, shared perspectives from across the state and explored the priorities that matter most to MAPE members. The conversations helped build a stronger foundation for the work ahead while giving members an opportunity to learn from one another and strengthen their collective approach to negotiations.

For Carly Michaud, a MAPE Local 701 member and Negotiations Committee co-chair, getting involved in the process is about making sure members have a voice in shaping their next contract.

“It was important for me to get more involved because I was genuinely upset with the last contract,” Carly Michaud, MAPE Local 701 member and Negotiations Committee co-chair said. “I wanted to have my voice heard this time around and do what I can to help our members. Getting involved is important in MAPE, because everyone has unique experiences and viewpoints that will help make our contract better.”

MAPE President Nicole Juan, a Local 2101 member, said bringing the two groups together will help strengthen the union’s preparations and build relationships among the members who will play key roles in the negotiations process.

“I’m excited negotiators and meet and confer chairs are able to come together and learn more about the important work each group does,” Juan said. “Getting to know each other and strategize will allow us to get the best contract possible next year.”

The convention also highlighted the value of bringing together members from different regions and work environments. By sharing their experiences and identifying common concerns, participants can help ensure MAPE’s negotiations priorities reflect the needs of members across the state.

“It’s important for both groups to meet because we all have a ton of ideas, knowledge and ideas where some pain points may be for our members,” Leo Caravello, MAPE Local 901 member and Negotiations Committee negotiator said. “I’m appreciative of how much training we’re receiving leading up to negotiations next year, and it’s been valuable learning about all of the different things that are most important to different regions.”

In addition to preparing for negotiations, the convention included an important leadership development opportunity for MAPE. Ann Adkisson was elected to the MAPE Executive Committee as Meet and Confer Speaker, adding another member voice to the union’s leadership.

With negotiations still ahead, Friday’s convention marked an important step in MAPE’s preparation. The discussions, training and collaboration at the event demonstrated the strength that comes from members getting involved and working together.

As MAPE looks toward next year’s negotiations, the convention left members better prepared, more connected and ready to advocate for a strong contract that reflects the priorities of MAPE members across Minnesota.