Contract talks between the State of Minnesota and unionized employees are heating up as remote work and layoff protections become major points of contention. The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees is pushing back against Governor Walz’s order requiring most workers to return to the office part-time, arguing it harms retention and work-life balance. The union also opposes a new “emergency layoff” proposal that would bypass standard procedures. Meanwhile, broader job growth in the state remains strong despite economic uncertainty. Negotiations will likely intensify over the coming months as budget pressures and federal funding cuts loom.
See "Remote work and layoffs loom large in state employee union negotiations — and other labor news", Max Nesterak, Minnesota Reformer, April 18, 2025