2025 is almost here! As we get ready to open a new calendar, we are also preparing to negotiate the next collective bargaining agreement with the State of Minnesota; the current agreement expires June 30, 2025. You’ll hear more information about the bargaining process and will be invited to participate in a survey in the coming months. Our power at the bargaining table is directly correlated with your participation in MGEC. Being a member of MGEC is critical! If you are already a member, THANK YOU! If not, it’s never too late to become one. Don’t let others decide your future – join and participate!
A survey will be sent to MGEC members later this spring. We use the data to develop and prioritize our bargaining proposals – this is essentially the direct voice of the membership. We also want to hear your stories about why these issues matter: explaining members’ experiences directly at the negotiation table can be powerful and hard for the employer to ignore. In other words, your help is critical as we look ahead to this process.
As we know, the history of our negotiations includes the reality that the state tends to negotiate with the larger AFSCME and MAPE units before engaging seriously with us. First the State/MMB bargains insurance with all the bargaining units in the spring/early summer so input will be needed from members. While we will work to achieve a settlement as soon as we can, we will also work for the best possible outcome. Many of our success stories result from long hours spent going back and forth with the employer to solve the problems our members face – that doesn’t happen unless we are determined.
Stay tuned for more as the Board prepares the next steps!