On Monday, July 8th, Tony Kelly travelled to Camp Ripley to meet with our Military Affairs group to discuss current MGEC issues over amazing pizza from The Main Gate. While this is an off year for bargaining, the subject of bargaining for a better contract is always on the minds of members, and this lunch discussion wasn’t the exception. Even if state of Minnesota bargaining units don’t sit at the negotiation table until next year, there is still work to do to prepare for bargaining and discussion included what it takes to get a public employer to make a move. Other similar bargaining units are also reaching settlements for the years moving forward, which begins to establish the “pattern” that we will have to reckon with. As always, all eyes are on AFSCME and MAPE as they are the most relevant state units that tend to establish the pattern.
These discussions are dynamic and educational and are best in-person. Even more important than the union transmitting information to the membership is the membership providing information and feedback to the union. Ideas spark and we can use the power of our group to follow up. If this sounds interesting to you, and you’d like to arrange for a visit, please reach out to Tony.