Negotiators discuss the importance of health care, listening sessions and CATs

Contract negotiators elected members to complete MAPE’s health care negotiations team during their Nov. 21-22 meeting. Kirsten Peterson and Gabe Perkins will now join Negotiations Committee Co-Chairs Carolyn Murphy and Sean McIntyre and President Megan Dayton in bargaining health care with other state unions and Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB).  

“I’ve spent most of my career in health care and my knowledge is how I can give back to the union. Health insurance is one of the few pieces we have to leverage our shared money. Our premiums pay for our health care and this is a bargaining power that other workers don’t have,” Peterson said. 

Negotiators have been hosting listening sessions with members across the state about what they would like to see in the 2025-2027 contract and what they would be willing to do to support those issues. “Hearing directly from our members about the issues they care about most is key, not just for guiding our negotiations but for strengthening the trust and relationships that keep our union strong,” Murphy said.   

This week, negotiators are launching a proposal input survey to all members of MAPE. This survey is a critical part of our MAPE-wide campaign to gather feedback and input about the issues that matter most to members. 

“At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to negotiate the best possible contract for the people we represent. This isn’t just about policies or wages – it’s about making a real difference in the lives of workers across the state,” Murphy added.  

Contract Action Teams (CAT) are a critical part of organizing and mobilizing members.  “We also discussed the importance of having focused conversations with stewards, leaders and coworkers to invite them to take part in the contract campaign. To ensure we are growing our power as a union, we developed plans to grow our CATs and check in with current CAT leaders. By learning how to get members to commit to action – whether it’s joining a CAT or organizing in other ways – we’re laying the foundation for the kind of solidarity that drives real change,” McIntyre said. 

To join your local CAT sign up here: Join the Contract Action Team (CAT).