Negotiators Launch Statewide Listening Sessions to Hear Members’ Priorities for Next Contract

MAPE negotiators are hitting the road and meeting with members across Minnesota as part of a statewide effort to hear directly about workplace challenges and priorities for our next contract.

Earlier this month, members of the Negotiations Committee met to discuss the importance of listening sessions and develop plans to connect with members throughout the state. Those conversations are now underway in locals across Minnesota.

“This 2027-2029 contract campaign will be an especially tough one, and it’s going to take all of us having conversations with members to fight back,” said Negotiations Co-Chair Sean McIntyre.

Negotiators are holding listening sessions in every region, giving members an opportunity to share workplace concerns, propose contract ideas and help shape bargaining priorities.

Recently, Negotiations Co-Chair Carly Michaud and Region 16 Negotiations Representative Brian Mason traveled around central Minnesota, beginning with a stop at Community Behavioral Health Hospital in Alexandria. Jovae Priebe, a member of MAPE’s Organizing Council and a member of the Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) Meet and Confer Team, helped plan and facilitate the meetings.

“Listening sessions are important because we want people engaged in the contract campaign, and site visits help make that happen,” Mason said. “I’ve been president of Local 1602 for two years, and getting out to worksites has helped me learn not only about members’ negotiations priorities but also the day-to-day challenges they face in their agencies.”

Mason said members across different workplaces are raising many of the same concerns.

“We have diverse jobs, but the common themes I’m hearing are wages and healthcare,” he said. “People are struggling with the rising cost of living and finding healthcare they can afford to use. Alomere Health and other big hospital corporations are finding ways to make healthcare inaccessible to us. Those are issues I want to fight.”

“Listening sessions are vital for negotiators to understand the challenges members face across the state,” Michaud said. “We learned about issues unique to our DCT sites in Alexandria and Fergus Falls, including growing concerns about workplace safety. It was eye-opening to hear about the complexities of caring for people in these settings and the risks members face every day.”

The visits also helped build union power. Several members expressed interest in becoming stewards, and organizers identified potential members for a new leader of a Contract Action Team in Alexandria.

The next stop was Glenwood, where negotiators met with members from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Inconsistent overtime compensation, wages and healthcare were among the issues generating the most discussion.

One member shared that they recently became a dues-paying member after seeing Mason’s commitment firsthand. “They said they joined after seeing Brian put in the effort to represent them, show up in person and listen to our concerns,” Priebe said.

The visit also identified two potential Contract Action Team members in the DNR office.

Mason plans to continue the outreach effort with a Local 1601 listening session Sept. 28 in the Baxter-Brainerd area and hopes to visit additional DNR worksites in the region. Michaud is also planning both virtual and in-person listening sessions with members in Local 701, including employees from Minnesota Management and Budget, Administration and MNIT.

MAPE leaders say participating in a listening session is one of the most important ways members can help shape the next contract.

“It’s important to attend your local listening session because it’s your opportunity to make your voice heard,” said MAPE President Nicole Juan. “What issues are on your mind? What ideas do you have to address them? Our negotiators fight for what members want, but first they need to hear from you. Then we all need to stand together and support them at the bargaining table.”

Be sure to attend a listening session in your area and help shape MAPE’s next contract. Contact your Negotiations Representative for more information.

2027-2029 Contract Negotiators

Region 1: Katrina Hopkins; Region 2: Charles Dixon; Region 3: Em Tschann; Region 4: Cara Hofreiter; Region 5: Kristin Loomer; Region 6: Julia Tindell; Region 7: Carly Michaud; Region 8: Jerry Schmitt; Region 9: Leo Caravello; Region 10: Austin Bork; Region 11: Sean McIntyre; Region 12: Jessica Thompson; Region 13: LeAnn Santana; Region 14: Chris Watkins; Region 15: Brad Berce; Region 16: Brian Mason; Region 17: Jaime Wuori; Region 18: Russell Derickson, Region 19: Christi Berry; Region 20: Gabe Perkins and Region 21: Chris J. Smith. At-Large Members: Elise Chambers, Brent Mason and Monica McDaniel.