MAPE

MAPE Local 901 met November 20, 2008 in Conference Room B144 & B145, Orville Freeman Bldg.

The meeting began with the video “What has the Union Every Done for Me?” followed by the video “One is the Loneliness Number”. Both videos were foreign made, are less than 2 minutes and emphasize the importance of unions in the labor force.

At 12:05 the meeting was called to order by Local President Larry Souther.
In attendance were: Region 9 Director- Sandy Dunn, Vice President - Carol Logan, Treasurer - Bob Anderson and Secretary - Steve Poncin. A total of 70 people signed the attendance sheet.
Lunch consisted of sub-sandwiches from Blink Bonnie at a cost of $377.49.

The meeting minutes for the October 16, 2008 Local 901 meeting had been sent out to the members along with the meeting announcement prior to the meeting date. The secretary’s minutes were accepted by consensus.

Bob Anderson reported that Local 901 estimated treasury balance as of November 20, 2008 was $14,186.79.

Anderson presented the proposed Local 901 2009 budget. Copies of the proposed budget had been distributed by email to the membership and a budget handout was provided at the meeting.
The proposed budget showed an estimated income of $6500 and total expenses of $10,400 for 2009.
At the end of the 2008 calendar year the local will have an estimated carryover balance of $14,522. MMP to accept the budget as presented.

MAPE Contract Negotiation Team Report – Sandy Dunn
As a result of the savings from the state health care plan each state agency has been allowed to reallocate the monies that were set aside for heath care to employee salaries. The reallocation to salaries was agreed to by the Health Care Coalition and the Governor’s team. The savings include 6.9% of the Health Care increases on January 1, 2009. Therefore, Sandy asked that anyone hearing of layoffs occurring at a state agency is to notify her immediately.

The Member Survey for the proposed labor contract will be mailed out the week of November 24, 2008. Surveys are to be completed and returned to MAPE by Dec 12, 2008.

Dunn reported that the Local Negotiation Committee is still in need of members. Interested persons are to contact Sandy directly.

President Souther presented information regarding pensions. Souther stated that Minnesota is one of eleven states remaining that still provide state employees a defined benefit pension. State and private businesses are increasingly using a defined contribution type of pension. Defined contribution is defined as a set amount that is contributed into the employee’s pension fund. The employer assumes the risk for managing and payout. A defined benefit pension is determined by years of service and pay level. The employer assumes the risk of managing the fund and the set payout to the employee.

There has been a great deal of pressure to move pensions out of the public sector. Also, in the past it has been tempting to public officials or legislators to tap into the pension fund as a way to balance the budget.

It was bought up that that the pension mechanism is determined by the legislature and is in statute. Pensions are not a negotiated contract item.

It was suggested to invite a speaker to the local meeting to address pensions programs in Minnesota and other states.

Being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 12:40 PM.

Respectfully Submitted
Steve Poncin
Secretary

Local 901