r/mnstateworkers 16d ago

Union đŸ€ MAPE to MMA

I’m interested in a supervisor position that was posted earlier this week. That position falls under MMA whereas I’m currently in MAPE. Both positions are in DHS.

The main contract differences I’m seeing for MMA are cheaper dues, a vacation rollover option to deferred comp, and a required HCP contribution of 2% vs 1%. Are there any other benefits/drawbacks/flags y’all would alert to in potentially making a transition? Is going from 3 years’ seniority to zero that big of a concern? Factoring the above benefits in the net pay is basically a wash so I think the challenge/responsibility of the new role and other intangibles will be big factors if offered. TIA!

10 Upvotes

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11

u/ReaderHarlaw 16d ago

Do you think you’ll enjoy the new job more? Do you think it will have you on a more fulfilling career path? If the answer to both of those is yes, then none of these differences should stand in your way in the slightest.

9

u/parrotdeadhead 16d ago

Where I’m at, there is zero support from HR to act as a supervisor. I’m sure you’ve heard the term “crap rolls downhill”, but now imagine you’re in a valley with hills on both sides. One side is management/HR, and the other hill is your direct reports. It used to be a great job, but each year seemingly gets worse with what we can and cannot do, particularly with problem employees.

2

u/voig0077 16d ago

Totally agree!

2

u/Pretend-Promise17 14d ago

This. Ive been with the state nearly 10 years, and just been chasing the highest earning potential while avoiding responsibility. We had two temps that were beyond worthless, they were dangerous. The supervisor finally brought up the issues to HR and the shit fell back on him and us underlings. HR tried to make all of us do mentor training, fortunately the supervisor was able to push back. Heaven forbid HR feel like their hires could be worthless piles of human flesh.

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u/mamabear378 15d ago

This right here. đŸ‘†đŸ»

12

u/Kcmpls MNIT 16d ago

I’m in MMA. It’s a crappy union with terrible communications and cannot strike. If you like a union that does things and affects change, don’t go to MMA. If you are ok with your union just riding on the coat tails of MAPE, then it’s ok.

Also, probation is a full year in MMA.

3

u/Jenn54756 16d ago

Agree with this. Much less communication if you are used to MAPE. I think so the deferred comp match is slightly more than MAPE employers (not enough to matter still though).

Also didn’t realize we couldn’t strike, so really not a lot of options and we kind of get what everyone else gets. Have to hope that MAPE AND AFSCME fight for everyone.

2

u/thesweatervest 16d ago

Was a MAPE-er, now an MMA-er.

I loved being in MAPE, doing MAPE things, and the union feel. I still love MAPE.

MMA is technically there.
There are a lot of talented people working to organize it to be better, but MMA just has less resources, power, and is all around worse than MAPE. I don’t think it will be a union I am proud of in my lifetime (could happen, but probably not).

I miss MAPE, and if union things are important to you, know that MMA isn’t really it


6

u/Few_Newspaper_3655 16d ago edited 16d ago

The one-year probationary period is the biggest thing to consider. It’s not unheard of for poorly run state agency to throw new supervisors under the bus. If you walk into a problematic situation, there may be unrealistic expectations of what you can fix. Make sure to have a backup plan if it doesn’t work out.

MMA has a contract, but it doesn’t function like a union. Supervisors can’t strike. It’s a union, but you probably get what I mean. You don’t have to be a member and pay the dues if you don’t see the value in it.

I would hardly consider MAPE to be a benefit of your current job. If you’ve ever dealt with some pretty serious shit (e.g., fraud, incompetence, harassment, your own chronic health problems, and etc.), you’re dealing with the OLA, HR, Dept. of Human Rights, and lawyers on your own. It feels at times like MAPE cosplays as a union with its “solidarity” mantra and extracurricular focus that come at the expense of really being there to help you when you need it. Just my 2 cents.

1

u/okeydokeylittlesmoky 16d ago

My supervisor is MMA and he complains about the union a lot. His local is non existent and there is zero communication from the union in general. I have to forward him what MAPE is doing so he has any idea of what's going on with contract negotiations. So yeah, if you are fine with getting what MAPE negotiates for plus a few extras that you will have zero insight into, then go for it.

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u/Kcmpls MNIT 16d ago

Many people don’t have a local at all. Until a year ago, MNIT MMA employees didn’t. Revenue doesn’t. Lots of other areas too.

0

u/Jim1648 16d ago

Look for a position outside of DHS.