RTO Escalation Intensifies as MAPE Shifts Focus at Bargaining

MAPE President Megan Dayton and AFSCME Executive Director Bart Andersen met with Governor Tim Walz last week and asked him directly to rescind the Return to Office (RTO) order. As expected, the Governor refused. He pointed instead to recent policy adjustments from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) as evidence of compromise.  

“We asked the Governor to withdraw the order and let telework be resolved at the bargaining table where it belongs,” said Dayton. “We also asked why this was a unilateral decision made without consulting MAPE or AFSCME. His refusal to engage with labor before issuing the policy was disappointing and contradicts how his administration claims to work with state employees.” 

Despite the Governor’s position, pressure from members is already making a difference. Over the last few weeks, thousands of MAPE members have taken action by attending rallies, speaking at press conferences, submitting letters to the editor, and calling elected officials. That sustained pressure helped secure several RTO policy adjustments announced by MMB last week: 

• The 75-mile exemption reduced to 50 miles. 

• Roughly 220 employees living in non-bordering counties will retain legacy exemptions allowing them to telework more than 50% of the time. 

• Call center operations have been added as a new exemption category. 

Meet and Confer efforts have also produced gains. The Department of Revenue, for example, has delayed RTO implementation until September 2 and submitted a detailed cost estimate of the policy’s fiscal impact. “Geography, not business needs, continues to drive decisions,” Dayton added. “But members are showing what’s possible when we organize. Some agencies are starting to push back and more will follow.” 

MAPE members should continue to use the Meet and Confer process to pressure agency leadership. Members with current telework agreements should meet with their supervisors to review any proposed changes. If management moves to reduce telework, Article 27 of the MAPE contract gives members the right to appeal within 30 days. Members are encouraged to contact a steward to support them during the appeal process. 

“The next strategic focus is bargaining,” Dayton said. “We are fighting for flexible work, affordable healthcare, and livable wages. That fight will take every one of us." 

As part of the broader escalation, MAPE’s Union Power Project (UPP) is launching a series of virtual lunch-hour trainings to help members organize their coworkers around RTO and build local workplace power. Participants will receive a toolkit with scripts, meeting agendas, and organizing guidance. Training dates are May 12, May 21, and June 3.

“We want a fair contract,” said Dayton. “But we also need a contract that protects our members and protects the people we serve. We've overcome bigger obstacles, but only when we stood together. This is one of those moments. Get ready. Be a member. Show up. Take action.” 

To become a member, complete the online form. If you’re unsure of your status, check your pay stub to confirm whether dues are deducted. You can look up your Local here, and watch for updates from your Region’s Contract Action Team (CAT). A list of upcoming actions, events, and coalition opportunities is available and regularly updated on the Get Involved page and updated frequently.