SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today the Minnesota House approved legislation authored by Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) to allow state law enforcement supervisors to form their own collective bargaining unit. The bill covers supervisors such as majors, captains, and lieutenants at the State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources, and special agents in charge at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
“All workers in Minnesota deserve the opportunity to collectively bargain for equitable pay and benefits. However, over the last decade, state law enforcement supervisors have lost salary ground compared to their city and county counterparts and the officers they supervise,” Rep. Ecklund said. “This legislation will also help them become more competitive with the bargaining group that represents the employees they supervise, better enabling them to provide economic security for their families.”
Currently, supervisors are spread out over three different groups: the commissioner’s plan, the managerial plan, and the Middle Management Association. Supporters of the bill have argued they will be better served organizing and negotiating in a single bargaining unit. The legislation doesn’t mandate supervisors to organize collectively, but only creates a bargaining unit in statute if they choose to do so.
The House approved the measure with overwhelming bipartisan support, and now awaits action on the Senate floor.