Minnesota government scientists are among the workers covered under a new two-year contract recently approved by key unions. (Adobe Stock)

Minnesota is phasing in new provisions for state employees as their latest contracts have been finalized.

Beyond pay raises, union leaders say there are features that will not only benefit workers but those who rely on services as well. Late last week, the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, which represents more than 16,000 state workers, saw its members ratify the two-year deal.

Megan Dayton, president of the association, said there are enhanced telework protections, which involve adding an appeals process in the event a supervisor calls for changes to an employee’s remote work status.

“This provides our members with greater flexibility while also ensuring they continue to provide excellent service to the people of Minnesota,” Dayton asserted.

She argued maintaining service is especially important in rural Minnesota, with some offices struggling to stay open, particularly within the Department of Revenue. Meanwhile, there’s a 5.5% wage increase under the contract’s first year, the highest in forty years, and a 4.5% increase in the second year. Another major union representing state workers is the AFSCME Council 5.

Adam Novotny, programs administrator for the Minnesota Department of Corrections, said staff performing things like mental health treatment at correctional facilities scored a win, too. Previously, they could not access certain health benefits under early retirement, like members in other unions. Now they do, and he stressed convincing them to stay on is vital.

“Some of the laws that have been passed in recent sessions, they’re really going to require an intense therapeutic intervention and early release programming,” Novotny contended. “In order to have those units and departments staffed, we really do need this.”

Novotny, who also co-chaired contract negotiations for the association, noted the incentives can help limit staffing gaps if employees do not opt for private-sector jobs. He added given the intense demands of these roles, workers and their families deserve more support if they opt for early retirement.

As for the pay raises, union leaders say they will also help with recruitment and retainment but add there is still a long way to go in addressing stagnant wage growth from previous contracts.