Greetings,

MFT ORGANIZER
1st edition

As we near winter break and the January 15th deadline for K12 contract settlement, tensions in the district have risen considerably.  Rumors and “spin” are flooding e-mails and conversations.  The union leadership and the negotiating team would like make a number of things clear, and let you know what the future may hold.  Our communications are designed to inform members about our issues and efforts, and empower our members to make informed decisions.  We will not participate in negotiating through the public or the media. We have a positive vision for Minneapolis' schools, and we will continue in our efforts to achieve that vision as we negotiate the contract with the district.

Most importantly, our main goal is to reach a fair, respectful, and professional settlement as quickly, and with as little disruption to the classroom, as possible.

In terms of salary and benefits, we must have a financial package that honors our work and remains competitive with other districts.  Our next edition of the MFT Organizer, coming Monday, will look at how our proposals fit with the financial realities.

The issue of school stability will be the topic of Tuesday’s MFT Organizer.

Wednesday’s message will clarify the statutory parameters around negotiations. We return to the bargaining table for another round of mediated negotiations on this day.

If we do not reach a settlement Wednesday:  

Thursday, the Organizer will focus on the issue of workload.

Friday’s Organizer will lay out where things may go over break and what specific things you might expect when you return on January 7.

Next week, the Organizing For Settlement Committee will send out information on certain job actions we may consider, and how those job actions will work if implemented. It is our goal to reach a settlement without resorting to actions that affect the classroom, but we must keep all of our options available.

Your negotiating team began this process almost a year ago.  We began organizing the negotiating committee, and collecting data late last winter and early spring.  We have been meeting with the District’s team since April.  We have a strong diverse team that is working to bring you a settlement worthy of your vote.  This is not simply a committee effort, it is a union effort, and we would like to thank all of you who take up the “calls to action.”

In solidarity,

Rob