AFSCME, MAPE ratify contracts with state

AFSCME said its pact was ratified by "a strong margin," while MAPE called the support for the contract "overwhelming." Balloting by both unions was conducted over the past few weeks.

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The unions and state reached agreement just before the previous two-year contracts were set to expire June 30. AFSCME – the American Federation of State, County and Municipal workers – represents about 19,000 workers, while MAPE – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees – represents 11,500.

"The union\’s bargaining team delivered a fair contract that state employees support," said Eliot Seide, lead negotiator for AFSCME Council 5. "Our members earn an average of $36,000 a year. Like most Minnesotans, our wallets are empty after a trip to the gas station and pharmacy. We\’re pleased that the employer has agreed that we deserve a raise to help offset inflation."

The contract includes a 3.25 percent raise on July 1 of 2007 and 2008, AFSCME said. In the second year, workers who earn less than $14 an hour will get a 45-cent per hour raise – greater than the 3.25 percent that higher-paid workers will get.

This contract includes the largest raise that state employees have seen since 2002 – but it took a two-week strike in 2001 to get that raise from Governor Jesse Ventura, the union noted.

"Our members clearly agree that this is a good compensation package," said MAPE Executive Director Jim Monroe. "We accepted some increased health-care costs, but our members will receive raises each year that they justly deserve for the excellent work they do for the citizens of Minnesota."

MAPE members will receive 3.25 percent cost-of-living increases each year of the two-year agreement, retroactive to July 1. Additionally, there will be progression steps each year for those MAPE members who qualify.

Both unions said they held the line on increases in health care costs – the biggest issue in most contract negotiations for all unions in recent years.

"We will have increased out-of-pocket health-care costs, but we eliminated additional increases in the second year," Monroe said. "To help curb out-of-pocket drug costs, the unions pioneered a new approach to managing the health-care prescription drug program. MAPE and AFSCME Council 5 negotiated this program in the previous contract and it will be implemented in January."

It is conservatively estimated that the pharmacy benefit manager program will provide $5 million in savings to the health-care plan and members in the first year, he said.

For more information

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Visit the unions\’ websites, www.afscmemn.org and www.mape.org

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