President’s Corner Feb. 2022

We are entering our third year of the COVID-19 pandemic with no real end in sight.

I am proud that these stressful, frustrating, and heartbreaking times have not stopped MAPE members from stepping up and doing our jobs to help Minnesotans stay safe and keep our state moving forward.

MAPE members have kept state government running. We negotiated a hard-fought contract with Minnesota Management and Budget that passed its initial legislative hurdle and is in interim effect. It still needs to pass an extremely partisan Legislature by May 23.

Telling your story to your legislators is one of the most powerful actions you can take to help us pass our 2021-2023 contract this year. Join MAPE for its first-ever virtual Lobby Week March 7-11. We will hold virtual meetings with legislators throughout the week to give our contract the boost it needs to pass. I know that talking with lawmakers can sound intimidating and a bit scary but it really is not. They want to hear what you do for Minnesotans to make their lives and our state better. It is easy when you remember they are elected officials who are accountable to you.

It is crucial that we get our members’ work in front of legislators during Lobby Week. We will offer trainings and work with you on talking points so you will be prepared. We cannot do this without your participation. Registration information

We are public servants and members of our communities; the work of legislators depends on our support. Our member stories are interwoven into our contract. The contract that we have negotiated allows our members to have a say in their workplace and make Minnesota a better place to work and live.

Legislators have a decision to make whether they support this or not. From our perspective there is only one choice. We know there are some who do not support public sector workers. There is an inherent political nature of public service and. hopefully, we are moving toward a place where all sides of the aisle understand the importance of having a fair and strong contract for public employees.

We are continuing to make progress on diversity, equity and inclusion issues as we work on MAPE’s strategic plan. Black history month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions African Americans have made to the history of our country. It is also a time to remember the important role Black workers have played in the labor movement.

The slogan of the 1963 March on Washington was “Jobs and Freedom.” Both union and civil rights activists at the time understood that labor rights are human rights and began fighting together for racial justice within labor rights. Low wages hurt everyone. The more workers stand together, the less power the boss has to divide us.

Speaking of the importance of standing together, please remember to sign up for Lobby Week– we need you to help pass our contract! Registration information

Stay safe.

In solidarity.