Negotiators Take First Steps to Build MAPE’s 2027-2029 Contract

Negotiators for MAPE’s 2027-2029 contract met for the first time and have started developing plans for the latest bargaining cycle. The team’s first official act was to elect their Negotiations Committee co-chairs: Sean McIntyre, Region 11, and Region 7’s Carly Michaud. McIntyre served as Negotiations Committee Co-Chair last contract cycle, and this is Michaud’s first time at the bargaining table. 

Negotiators met together on July 23 with an introduction to tech, logistics, the structure of negotiations and building power in public sector bargaining. The next day negotiators met with Leaders of the Contract Action Teams (LCATs) and Local Vice Presidents. They talked about what it will take to win a good contract in this political landscape, practical discussions of power-building, what makes a local strike-ready and how we all will be working together to prepare.  

“It was a long and information-packed couple of days, but I came away feeling really good about this team and what we can accomplish together,” McIntyre said. “There were different perspectives, but agreement on finding the way forward and getting the best agreement for our members. It will never be an easy arena to be in because we are there to push for things with someone who does not necessarily want to give it to us.” 

He added, “Our strongest bargaining isn’t us – it’s bringing our members to be a part of the process from the minute we start and understanding we need to be much more engaged with our regions and locals.”  

Region 20 Negotiator Gabe Perkins is preparing for a fight with Minnesota Management and Budget Labor Relations, the governor’s negotiations arm. “The budget was brutal last year. This year is going to be even worse. The state will not have a surplus anymore; we’ve had many big cuts from the feds, and the state must balance the budget. You can take it or fight it. What side are you on? Are you going to take it or what are you going to do to fight it? You have a choice – you choose how to respond. If members sit on the sidelines and do nothing, MMB will walk all over you. We must fight back and fight back hard,” he said. 

Perkins, who was one of MAPE’s representatives on the healthcare bargaining coalition last cycle, said healthcare costs are expected to increase 10-12% next year. Perkins nearly lost his life after being badly burned in an accident a few years ago. “We had a good plan through the State Employee Government Insurance Group (SEGIP), and we didn’t have to pay much money. It was a $200 insurance copay versus $250,000 and bankruptcy. What do you think I am going to do? I am going to fight back,” he said.  

Negotiators also discussed the importance of ensuring fully funded state agencies to ensure Minnesotans receive the programs and services they need.  

“The political work we do as a union is directly tied to our contract campaign. The Governor and state legislature are required to pass a balanced budget, and we need them to prioritize fully funding state agencies – how agencies are funded will shape our bargaining position. The budget is going to be tight, and that's why we need to put in the work to elect folks who are going to stand up for working people and invest in public service rather than giving tax breaks to billionaires or outsourcing our work,” MAPE President Nicole Juan said.  

“As union members, it is important that we turn out to vote and help our labor-friendly candidates around the state. The MAPE PAC has a great electoral program that all members can volunteer for to help get labor-friendly legislators elected. Our members have been showing up, knocking doors and talking about our issues - and candidates are noticing us,” she added.  

Organizing Council member Jovae Priebe, who served on the Negotiations Committee last session, said the Council is committed to ensuring the LCATS have access to necessary assessment tools. “We’re going to make sure the results of the negotiations survey get to the LCATS, so they know what members in their regions are saying and wanting,” Priebe said.  

“But we’re also making sure we have all the assessments needed to make sure people are willing to go on strike for these issues if management tries to play hardball. The difference is between saying and doing. It’s all about getting to know our members and turning this union into the family we can be,” she added. “I left the meetings feeling overwhelmed, motivated, committed and dedicated. There is commonality in everything.”  

2027-2029 Contract Negotiators 

Region 1: Katrina Hopkins; Region 2: Charles Dixon; Region 3: Em Tschann; Region 4: Cora 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.