State unions reached tentative agreement covering 21,000 workers

The deal, announced Thursday, includes include a 2 percent raise beginning January 2013, plus step increases both years, with modest cost increases to employees for health insurance effective January 2013.

Both union bargaining teams unanimously recommend that their members vote to accept the deal: “We believe this is a fair agreement that benefits state employees and the citizens of Minnesota.” If ratified, the contract will cover 18,000 AFSCME members and 13,000 MAPE members.

Neither union will discuss the agreement with the media until members have had a chance to vote. Complete details and a ratification schedule will be available soon, the unions said.