After months of tense negotiations and protests, the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees ratified a two-year contract for 18,000 state workers, securing modest pay increases but few policy changes. Members voiced frustration over Governor Tim Walz’s return-to-office directive, which remains largely intact except for a slight extension in notice for telework changes. The union blocked state proposals that would have raised health care costs and allowed “emergency layoffs,” but wage gains of 1.5% and 1.75% over the next two years may lag behind inflation. The 79% approval rate was the lowest since the union’s 2001 strike, signaling continued strain between the governor and a key labor constituency.
See "Major state employee union approves new contract after bitter negotiations", Max Nesterak, Minnesota Reformer, August 11, 2025