President’s Corner: April 2023

You know that exhilarating feeling when months of preparation result in a better-than-anticipated outcome? I hesitate to say it, but that's precisely what our first bargaining session for the 2023-2025 contract with Governor Walz and his team on April 11-12 felt like. Though only the initial meeting in a series, the atmosphere was distinctly different from our experience two years ago, marked by a genuine willingness to engage. 

Our superior preparedness was evident this year in our nine focused proposals, which appeared to take Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) by surprise. MMB brought 105 proposals to the table. Our strategy of presenting fewer, more targeted proposals than in previous years—and fewer than the State's—resulted in MMB engaging more rapidly and substantively on our priorities. While the outcome remains uncertain, our organizing and member action will tip the scales in our favor. 

Our Negotiations Team is thrilled by the increased engagement with members through one-on-one conversations and our rapid response texting program, which facilitated hundreds of organizing discussions. 

MAPE presented nine proposals encompassing telework, student loan reimbursement, across-the-board increases, temporary unclassified workers, the definition of family, length of service credit, vacation accrual, deferred compensation, and meal reimbursement. Video explanations for each proposal are available on our website. 

MMB's 105 proposals included attempts to limit our union rights, attack seniority, add emergency layoffs, and undermine our union. 

MAPE members have sacrificed for the greater good, especially during the pandemic. Now is the time to bridge the widening gap between our dedicated professionals and their private-sector peers. With Minnesota's historic budget surplus and a shared commitment to fully fund state government, we propose bold investments of 11% in the first year and 10% in the second year. This crucial step will ensure that Minnesota remains competitive in attracting and retaining top public servants. 

On Wednesday, April 26, the Negotiations Team provided updates and answered questions. Watch the Townhall recording.

Minnesota isn't alone in its struggle to attract and retain top talent — state governments nationwide face similar challenges. Now is the time to join those implementing historic pay raises, securing the best employees, and fostering a competitive workforce. 

As Minnesota's top state officials, judges, and legislators prepare for raises of up to 9% this year, we must also prioritize our dedicated workforce, aiming to retain and recruit qualified leaders amid rising inflation. 

We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Governor Walz and his team to reestablish the State of Minnesota as a sought-after, competitive employer. 

We're not seeking the impossible in this contract—merely a fair and just agreement that recognizes our unwavering dedication and daily contributions to the state. Remember, our collective strength empowers us to enact significant change within this contract. We need your assistance in negotiating a successful agreement. I encourage you to remain involved and informed, attend meetings, share your experiences, and rally your fellow members to do the same. Together, we can succeed! 

In solidarity, 

Megan Dayton 
MAPE President