Welcome to the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA).

MPEA bargains for a fair contract for all employees we represent which outlines the terms and conditions of employment. Becoming a dues-paying member grants you access to more benefits:

• MPEA protects your rights by filing grievances when a contract violation occurs
• MPEA represents you in discipline and Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) meetings
• Member meetings with updates on grievances, union business, contract negotiations, and more
• Receive our monthly email newsletter with updates on union business
• Dues-paying members can vote on the contract and in other union issues
• Run for the Board of Directors and/or participate in any member committees
• Access to social events like happy hours, lunches, or giveaways

Negotiating starting wage or salary

If you have received a job offer from the City of Minneapolis, you may be able to negotiate your starting wage or salary step based on prior experience. You will not be able to negotiate this after beginning employment. 

Your wage or salary will be determined by the "Step" you accept. Many positions in MPEA have seven possible steps, which loosely correspond to years of experience. 

See the Contract and Salary Schedule. Contact the Board if you have questions. 

Negotiating starting vacation accrual rate

You may also be able to negotiate your vacation accrual rate based on prior experience. You will not be able to negotiate this after beginning employment. 

MPEA employees with more time at the City accrue more vacation days per year. You may negotiate to have your years of prior experience outside the City recognized so you begin accruing at a higher rate. 

See the Contract for rates of vacation accrual.

Contact the Board if you have questions. 

Membership Dues

Membership dues are currently set annually at a rate of .0075 of gross income. For example: A gross annual income of $80,000 would equate to a dues rate of about $23.00/check. That is a small price to pay for the protection and security of MPEA. When you sign and submit the membership card attached, dues are taken out of each paycheck by the City.

If you're interested in joining, please download the enrollment form below. Submit the completed form to the MPEA Secretary Tate Nguyen. 

Common FAQ

Question: What is a union

A union is a group of workers who work for the same employer coming together to solve issues of mutual concern in their workplace and advance the common interests of the membership. The right of public employees to form and join a union became a reality in 1971 with the passage of the Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA), recognizing that workers deserve a collective voice in decisions that affect their jobs and the services they provide. Labor unions are the reason why we have a federal minimum wage, forty-hour work week, restrictions on child labor, safety laws such as OSHA, "just cause" discipline, and more!

Question: Why do employees want or need a union?

At its core, every worker shares the same goal, which is the ability to do their job well. That requires reasonable schedules, manageable workloads, fair compensation, job security, and respect for the skills, education, and expertise employees bring to their work. Yet in non-union workplaces, decisions about pay, benefits, and working conditions are often made without worker input and are frequently driven by budget concerns rather than by quality or sustainability. Without a union contract, professionals may face discipline or retaliation for speaking up, offering new ideas, or expressing disagreement. Union membership changes that dynamic. Through a collectively bargained agreement, workers gain clear, enforceable rights and fair processes that protect due process and encourage collaboration. Unions create space for employees to advocate for improvements that strengthen efficiency, performance, and public service without fear of retaliation. 

Joining a union is also an act of solidarity. When workers stand together, individual voices become a collective force. That unity builds accountability, protects dignity at work, and ensures that professional expertise is respected.

Across the country, highly educated and skilled workers have embraced this collective power. Today, more than half of union members in the United States are professional and technical employees, part of unions ranging from nurses and engineers to government employees, educators, and writers. They choose union membership not because it diminishes professionalism, but because it strengthens it by giving workers a voice, a say, and each other. Our strength is in numbers - from organized ideas, members, and resources. 

Question: What are my rights under labor law? 

Under Minnesota law, public employees have important rights protected by the Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA). These rights exist whether or not you are active in the union, and they are strengthened when workers act together. Your rights include: 

1. The right to form, join, or support a union: You have the legal right to join a union, participate in activities, and support collective bargaining without interference or retaliation from management.
2. The right to fair representation: MPEA represents all employees in bargaining and contract enforcement
3. The right to bargain collectively: You have the right to negotiate wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions through MPEA.
4. The right to speak up without retaliation: You cannot legally be disciplined, demoted, or fired for union activity, raising workplace concerns, or participate in protected concerted activity with coworkers
5. The right to representation during discipline: If you are questioned by management and believe it could lead to discipline, you have the right to request union representation before the meeting continues.
6. The right to enforce the contract: You can use the grievance process to challenge violations of the contract, ensuring rules are applied fairly and consistently.
7. The right to vote and participate: You have the right to vote on contracts, unions leadership, and other union decisions.
8. The right to access union information: You are entitled to information about your contract, union finances, and union governance.

Read more about your Weingarten Rights

Read more about your right to take unpaid leave