Photos Gov. Pawlenty Running out of time, Ludeman says More from MPR State workers vote down contract proposals, authorize strike (09/29/2003) Debate over possible state worker strike spills onto airwaves (09/18/2003) Pawlenty orders National Guard to prepare in case of strike (09/15/2003) Your Voice Join the conversation with other MPR listeners in the News Forum.

	E-mail this page			Print this page

Pawlenty pessimistic about chances for worker talks
October 8, 2003

Gov. Pawlenty at Wednesday morning's news conference. (MPR Photo/Laura McCallum)

The state's largest employees unions return to the bargaining table on Thursday to resume negotations with Gov. Tim Pawlenty's administration. Union members have already rejected contract proposals that state officials characterized as their last, best offers. State negotiators say they're not optimistic the sides will reach quick agreement. And they say, if necessary, they'll substitute a non-negotiated wage and benefit plan in order to save the state on employee costs.

St. Paul, Minn. — State negotiators have been anxious to find resolution, citing the need to finalize a health package in time to enroll workers before the start of next year.

Employee Relations Commissioner Cal Ludeman says he had wanted an agreement last week, but he says it's still not too late. By Monday, he says, it might be. Ludeman says the next few days will be critical. And he says he's prepared, if necessary, to impose a non-negotiated package on state workers if a voluntary settlement doesn't arrive soon.

	Running out of time, Ludeman says

"Obviously if we did take... this action, it would change the tone. Obviously that's not my intention. I'm trying to preserve the state's interest in this and also trying to prevent the layoffs of thousands of state employees," he said.

Currently, workers are operating under their old contracts, which technically expired last summer. Ludeman says the state can't afford to extend them indefinitely.

But union leaders say imposing a non-negotiated solution is the bargaining equivalent of a nuclear strike. Jim Monroe, the executive director of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, which represents roughly 11,000 computer technicians, accountants, and other skilled employees, says workers are aware of the state's options, but he says he won't let that intimidate him.

"You have to take all options into consideration. But does it outweight trying to reach a settlement that's acceptable to both sides? No, it wouldn't," according to Monroe.

Monroe also says the unions and the state disagree how provisions of a generic, default plan would apply to unionized state workers. The plan is known as the "Commissioner's Plan," and Monroe says implementing it would likely prompt thorny legal challenges. Moreover, the current Commissioner's Plan contains the current health package.

Imposing would leave the lingering disagreements over a new health plan. Ludeman, however, says he could seek authority from the Legislative Coordinating Committee's subcomittee on employee relations to draft a new, made-to-order Commissioner's Plan.

But the chair of the subcommittee thinks otherwise. Sen. Linda Scheid, DFL-Brooklyn Park, says she has "pretty much ruled out" using the subcommittee to intervene.

"I don't think the subcommittee should be blessing one position or another. If labor were coming and asking us to do something, I don't think that would be appropriate either," she said.

MAPE and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 6, have both authorized a strike, if necessary, although no strike date has been set. AFSCME represents about 17,000 clerical and maintenance workers covered under the current negotiations. Monroe says he doesn't feel the same sense of urgency to reach a quick resolution. He notes that this time two years ago AFSCME and MAPE were on the picket line, with a final handshake and ratification vote weeks away.

Monroe says a more worrisome deadline revolves around state correctional workers who aren't allowed to strike. Prison guards and other essential employees have instead entered into binding arbitration. Monroe says those talks will set the bar for other discussions if they conclude first.

"If I was sitting on the management side, I would rather reach a negotiated settlement than run the risk of an arbitrated award that may not be what I want or what the other side wants," Monroe said.

Monroe says he hopes state negotiators will remember the strong strike authorization votes registered last week when they return to the table and consider the negotiating strategy. But state officials aren't offering much optimism.

Gov. Pawlenty says the state continues to make strike preparations. "We hope to avoid a strike. We don't want a strike. We hope the state employees do not strike. We'll continue to negotiate to impasse. But there's only so much we can do when you don't have more money to give them."

Pawlenty says the state's most recent offer outpaces what most Minnesotans find in the private sector. He says the state's difficult financial position precludes more generous proposals.

News Headlines

Related Subjects