Based on AFSCME’s and MAPE’s negotiating demands and the statement announcing a tentative agreement, it’s apparent that Gov. Dayton finally caved to his union allies’ demands. Here’s what AFSCME and MAPE demanded:
The union seeks a two-year deal that looks something like this:
- No changes in health insurance plan design for levels 1 and 2
- Increase the maximum dental benefit from $1,000 to $1,500
- Maintain steps both years
- 2 percent wage increase effective July 1, 2012
- $500 contribution to HRA on January 1, 2013
$500 lump sum
Here’s the tentative agreement:
Today AFSCME and MAPE reached a tentative deal on a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the State of Minnesota. Highlights include a 2 percent pay raise beginning January 2013, plus step increases both years, with modest cost increases to employees for health insurance effective January 2013.
Apparently, the Dayton administration is hiding the details from the joint committee that has oversight on negotiated contracts:
Dear Commissioner Schowalter, Pursuant to statute 3.855, I am requesting copies of all recently negotiated labor agreements, including the settlements referenced in the media between the MAPE and AFSCME unions and the State of Minnesota. Please include any details and documents regarding wage increases, step increases, and any benefit term changes for the proposed contracts that have been approved by union negotiators. Sincerely, Mike Parry Chairman
If Commissioner Showalter won’t provide copies of the negotiated agreements, then it’s imperative to put pressure on him by calling his office demanding that he provide the pertinent documents ASAP. Commissioner Showalter doesn’t list his office phone number but he has a contact page. Here are the names of the legislators serving on this oversight panel:
Senate Members: Michelle Benson Ted Daley Chris Eaton James Metzen House Members: Steve Drazkowski (Vice Chair) Mike Benson Keith Downey Leon Lillie Ryan Winkler
It wouldn’t hurt to send a friendly reminder to Michelle Benson, Mike Benson, Ted Daley, Keith Downey and Steve Drazkowski that a) we demand transparency in union negotiations and b) a no vote rejecting the tentative contract is in order if Commissioner Showalter doesn’t promptly produce the relevant documents. Furthermore, let the legislators know that it’s appropriate to reject the tentative agreement if it isn’t fiscally responsible.
Tags: AFSCME, MAPE, Jim Showalter, Mark Dayton, Unions, Negotiations, DFL, Oversight, Mike Parry, Keith Downey, Michelle Benson, MNGOP