The next step in what could lead to a strike by state workers has begun. Members of AFSCME Council 6 and MAPE, the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, will vote this week whether to accept what the state calls its final contract offer.

Council 6 represents 19,000 health care workers, park and clerical employees, corrections officers and snow plow drivers. Health care has been the main issue in the talks. The state wants workers to pay more because of the budget gap. But union president Mike Buesing says it's wrong to try to balance the books on the backs of workers.

"The state's health insurance proposal will do major damage to our members and their families by dramatically increasing premiums, co-pays, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses," Buesing said. "The proposal, and the cuts to benefits, could amount to a one and a half to three month pay cut for our employees."

AFSCME is conducting its contract vote at dozens of polling places across the state. The 10,000 members of MAPE began voting by mail last week. Both unions plan to count the contract votes on Monday, Sept. 29.

Buesing said even if members vote to authorize a strike - and he expects they will - there's still a way to resolve the differences.

"There's a chance that there could be a settlement prior to a strike. We certainly hope there will be. We want the state to come back to the bargaining table," he said. "We're willing to go back. But we've said that ever since negotiations were put in recess on Aug. 14."

For more information
Visit the AFSCME Council 6 website, www.afscmecouncil6.org, the MAPE website, www.mape.org and the state Department of Employees Relations website, www.doer.state.mn.us