President’s Corner – November 2022

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am thankful my loved ones are healthy, my kids are enjoying elementary school, and we have a pro-labor Governor, House, and Senate here in Minnesota for the first time in a decade. It is the first time since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against workers in Janus v AFSCME that we'll have a pro-worker administration at the State Capitol.

MAPE members and staff contributed to these election wins by making thousands of telephone calls and knocking on thousands of doors on behalf of pro-labor candidates. You told us that creating events like door knocks was an excellent way to accomplish our goal of turning people out to get active. We held two Super Saturday door knocks on Sept. 17 and Oct. 15. Our Super Saturday 2 filled 62 or eight percent of our daily shifts. Our Political Action Committee (PAC) knocked on doors around Minnesota from Bemidji to Rochester. I would like to give a massive shout-out to all members and staff who helped make these election victories possible.

The Nov. 8 results point to a new era for labor in Minnesota. It is exciting to think about what we can work to accomplish for Minnesotans. Over the past few years, workers, their families, and democracy have been under constant attack. Universal health care, paid family medical leave, fully-funded state agencies, and the right to collectively bargain are issues we have always championed that now seem possible.

Lawmakers will begin a new legislative session on Jan. 3. MAPE and other unions and partners have been in survival mode, on the defense, for the past decade. This experience of fighting from the offense will be completely different. We must be strategic and remember that taking the ball does not guarantee a goal.

Minnesotans deserve fully-funded agencies to provide their needed services, including public education, safe communities and direct care and treatment for our most vulnerable neighbors. We must fight for them. We also must strengthen our right to bargain collectively. For the first time in 40 years, our siblings in Michigan (my home state) will have a pro-labor governor and state legislature and repealing right-to-work laws will be a priority there.

It has been a tough year in many ways, but Thanksgiving encourages us to reflect on the year with gratitude. It also gives us a reason to treat ourselves to holiday meals and traditions. Like many of you, I believe that mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie are two of life’s most lavish luxuries. In all seriousness, I am grateful for all you do for Minnesota and our union. It is an absolute honor to do this work alongside you.

Solidarity,

Megan Dayton
MAPE President