Labor contract changes vetoed (veto)

A measure that would have given the Legislature greater involvement in state labor contract negotiations was vetoed by Gov. Mark Dayton.

The bill would have required Minnesota Management & Budget to notify the Legislature at least five days before executing a memorandum of understanding to amend a labor contract. In his veto letter, Dayton said the provision would “interfere with the day-to-day flexibility needed by the Executive Branch to manage most effectively and efficiently.”

The bill also proposed allowing negotiators to agree to implement unpaid leave and reductions in work hours to avoid layoffs when necessary. Dayton said this ability is already provided for under current law.

Finally, the vetoed bill contained a provision that would have made offers made by MMB during the course of contract negotiations public data. Dayton said this would “disrupt the long-established process between the Executive Branch and its employees.”

HF1977/ SF1755*/CH291