MAPE reaches tentative agreement on 2023-2025 contract First time in decades union reached double-digit tentative settlement

For the first time in more than 30 years, MAPE negotiators were able to negotiate a double-digit total increase for its members in their 2023-2025 contract. MAPE and Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) agreed to a 5.5% increase the first year and 4.5% the second year. 

“We asked for what we deserved – 11% and 10% raises - and did not get that, but we fought for every cent and won a lot. We won a double-digit increase for our members because they work tirelessly to provide the necessary services to keep Minnesotans and their communities healthier and safer. Our negotiators have spent the past year working with members across the state on proposals which helped us strategically focus on fighting for issues important to our members,” Negotiations Co-Chair Adam Novotny said.   

Members across the state got involved in negotiations on record levels by participating in rallies, holding informational pickets at their agencies, calling for meetings with their supervisors and commissioners and so much more. 

“We successfully advocated for a 21st Century contract including affordable, quality health care and a flexible workplace,” Negotiations Co-Chair Kristin Kirchoff-Franklin said. “MAPE members indicated telework was an important issue to them and negotiators were able to bargain an improved partnership between the State and its employees on telework protections.” 

Health care costs will increase nominally. Mental health care will be much less expensive than in the past, out-of-network provider access will increase, fertility options will expand and the cap for dental coverage will increase by $200. 

Six hundred MAPE members put their lives on the line each day working with offenders living at a variety of state facilities. The Correctional Employees Retirement Plan (CERP) allows employees to retire early after meeting specific requirements. Members who provide treatment, rehabilitation, services to clients while incarcerated at a state correctional facility, Minnesota Security Hospital and Minnesota Sex Offenders Program will now receive a substantive employer contribution toward health care premiums like CERP members in other unions. 

“That some employees received a lesser retirement for the difficult and taxing work was an egregious inequity. CERP insurance coverage is a priceless benefit. Providing people who do the most dangerous work with a retirement comparable to other colleagues is a necessity because these public servants literally sacrifice their lives for everyone’s safety,” MAPE President Megan Dayton said.  

The Negotiations Team made gains in the areas of temporary unclassified, meal reimbursements, definition of family has been expanded for purposes of sick and bereavement leave usage, student loan reimbursement language is now in the body of the contract, length of service credit has been expanded, fertility benefits have been expanded, many sunsets have been extended and nine meet and confers secured supplemental agreements to improve the working conditions of the members in their individual agencies. 

“I am so proud of this union. We’re making Minnesota a better place to live and work, and the State a better employer. This union is powerful and that power comes from our members,” Dayton added. “Contract language is the strength of a union and our union is undoubtedly stronger with this contract and because of the efforts that went into getting it.  

“As always, we had to give up things we cared deeply about at the table, and many fights must continue into the coming year. I’d encourage everyone to get involved between now and our next contract fight so we can continue to improve contract benefits for everyone in MAPE.” 

A list of the tentative agreement highlights is available here.