Strike FAQ 2025 Strike Q&A

Why would we strike? A strike is the most powerful tool workers have at their disposal. MAPE leadership are hopeful a strike will not be needed, but the state’s opening proposals on healthcare, along with the return-to-office unilateral decision, has prompted members and leaders to begin discussion and preparation in case a strike becomes necessary. 

Who decides if we go on strike? Members of the union vote on whether to authorize a strike.

What are the steps that must happen to go on strike? The process begins if the negotiations committee sends the contract offer from the state to the Board of Directors, recommending the membership vote down the offer and authorize a strike. The Board of Directors then does the same, sending the offer to the membership to vote. There are then contract information sessions followed by a 7-day voting period where members decide either to accept the state’s offer or reject it, thereby automatically authorizing a strike. The board is then empowered to implement the strike by setting a start date. MAPE must give the state at least 10 days’ notice. 

When would a strike start, and how long would it last? The date of a strike would be set depending on the timing of the membership vote and action by the board. It isn’t possible to know when a strike might start at this point, but the steps leading up to a strike would mean members would have lots of communication and time to prepare. If a strike did occur, it would end by a vote of the MAPE Executive Committee, in conjunction with the negotiations team who would continue to work diligently to secure an acceptable agreement.

What is “push week” and what does it mean for our contract negotiations? Push week is a term at the state that refers to a week, usually in June, when state negotiators and union negotiators (both MAPE and AFSCME), bargain every day as long as necessary to try and reach a tentative agreement. This year, push week begins on June 21. We are hoping progress can be made that week, but the decision to accept an agreement isn’t about dates, but rather about whether enough progress has been made toward a fair contract, and about decisions of MAPE leaders and members. 

What do I do on the first day of a strike? If a strike date is set, information will be shared and trainings will be held about logistics and directions for the strike. In general, members will report to picket locations instead of going to work. You could expect full days with actions and events.

Can non-members strike, or just members? Both members and non-members have the right to strike.

Do I have to strike if my coworkers do? The power of a strike is in everyone in the union acting together. You will have to decide for yourself. Deciding not to strike can impact the duration of a strike and the ability of your negotiations team to achieve the improvements we all deserve. You and every member decides whether to authorize a strike. After that decision is made collectively, honoring that decision by participating in the strike is the right thing to do.   

I’ve heard we’re in mediation. Does that affect our ability to strike? Mediation is common in state negotiations, and state law requires 45 days of mediation before a strike may be authorized. Our negotiations team will continue to work with the state and mediators to get to an acceptable agreement. Ultimately, the power of the union and the decision on an agreement lies with the members. 

Can probationary employees strike? Yes. However, if the strike is longer than 10 days, it may delay the certification date. 

Are our jobs protected when we strike, or can I be fired for striking? A strike that meets the authorization requirements of Minnesota’s public employment statute is a protected activity, and the employer may not permanently replace striking workers. 

Do I get paid when I’m on strike? No. The state does not pay workers during a strike. MAPE maintains a crisis fund that can be used in part as strike pay for striking workers. However, it does not fully replace regular wages. 

Can I apply for unemployment insurance when I’m on strike? No, striking workers are not eligible for unemployment insurance. 

What happens to my health care when I’m on strike? Any employee who is in paid status on the first of the month will be covered by health insurance for the entire month. If a strike extends beyond a month, members will be able to continue their benefits through COBRA or can purchase insurance through the health insurance exchange. 

What happens to my accruals when I’m on strike? Striking employees are not in pay status, so they don’t accrue vacation in pay periods in which they are on strike. 

What happens to my pension if I go on strike? Striking is an unpaid absence, so it would impact length of service in the same way other unpaid absences would. 

I am on an approved paid leave. How would a strike impact my leave? The employer may not deny pay for previously approved leaves to members because they are on strike. However, members may not take paid sick days or other leave during a strike unless it was approved before the start of the strike.

Can I talk about the strike with my coworkers while at work? Yes. Conversations about strikes should happen on breaks or lunch. 

Would other state workers strike with us, or just MAPE? We absolutely have more power together and are coordinating with other unions. However, each union must make their own democratic decision about whether to strike.

I work at a secure facility; can I still strike? Yes. 

I was deemed an essential/critical worker during the last government shutdown. Can I still strike? Yes. There is a difference between a critical worker for the purpose of a shutdown and an “essential employee.” The law states that no MAPE represented employee can be considered an essential employee.

How would MAPE communicate with me during a strike? In the event of a strike, you would not have access to state email. MAPE leaders would be communicating by email, text and phone call. Now is the time to update your contact information. Go to https://portal.mape.org/, sign in and make sure your personal email and personal phone numbers are up to date. 

Are locals able to use their local funds as an additional strike fund? Yes, local leaders can decide to designate local funds toward strike support in numerous ways.