MAPE Negotiations Committee elects healthcare representatives Gabe Perkins and Austin Bork will represent the union in healthcare negotiations in 2027

MAPE members will have experienced voices advocating for their healthcare benefits in the next round of contract negotiations. 

During meetings Oct. 8-9, the MAPE Negotiations Committee elected Austin Bork, Region 10 negotiator, and Gabe Perkins, Region 20 negotiator, as the union’s two healthcare negotiations representatives. 

Perkins brings valuable experience from the previous negotiations cycle and nearly a decade of work with the American Cancer Society. 

“I think it’s incredibly important to have someone in the room who was there last cycle as well,” Perkins said. “I have a strong passion and background in healthcare, including working with the American Cancer Society for nearly 10 years. I want to make sure we continue to serve the underserved populations. We have a good quality health plan, and I want to make sure we keep what we have and make it better.” 

Bork emphasized the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to the table and fighting for the healthcare members deserve. 

“It’s important to have varied voices in the healthcare negotiations room,” Bork said. “I have a degree in nutrition, I’ve run three marathons and I strength train regularly, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have healthcare issues or recognize how valuable our healthcare is to everyone in the union. I want to make sure we get the best healthcare possible, and that won’t happen unless we continue to fight for what we deserve.” 

Negotiators spent much of the two-day meetings immersing themselves in health care policy and the specifics of the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP). Together, Bork and Perkins will help ensure members’ healthcare needs and priorities remain at the forefront as MAPE prepares for the next contract negotiations cycle.