Skip To Main Content

Select a School

Labor Negotiations

Our Commitment

The individuals at the bargaining table represent our students first, our families and our broader community. It is our commitment to approach the bargaining table in service to our shared Minneapolis Public Schools values which include the following:

  • Equity, Representation & Anti-Racism - The team representing the central office will include diverse individuals who filter proposals through an equity lens. Every proposal will be evaluated through an equity lens, ensuring that decisions actively support anti-racist outcomes and equitable opportunities for all students and staff.
  • Physical and Emotional Safety & Wellbeing - We are committed to safeguarding the physical and emotional wellbeing of all MPS employees throughout the bargaining process. Our team will actively utilize resources like the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and our mental health services to support staff wellness—and we encourage all those at the bargaining table to do the same. Prioritizing care and wellbeing helps ensure a productive, respectful and human-centered negotiation process.
  • Relationships, Trust & Communication - Strong relationships and open communication are foundational to our collective success. Every MPS employee plays a vital role in achieving our mission of delivering a high-quality, anti-racist, culturally responsive education. Building trust and maintaining honest, respectful dialogue throughout negotiations are essential to creating the safe, brave spaces our students and staff deserve.
  • Shared Decision-Making & Voice - We believe the most effective solutions emerge when everyone has a voice. The bargaining process will center collaborative problem-solving, where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued. Our goal is to create outcomes that reflect our collective wisdom and move us forward together. The best path forward is the path we walk together.
  • Transparency & Accountability - We are committed to conducting negotiations with transparency and integrity. As a public institution, we hold ourselves accountable not only to each other, but most importantly to our students, who are directly impacted by the agreements we make. We plan to live-stream bargaining sessions and communicate openly to ensure that all stakeholders remain informed and engaged.
  • Evidence-Based Strategies - We will approach each proposal with a commitment to data-informed decision-making. Our team will rigorously review and evaluate ideas to ensure that any new or innovative approaches are grounded in research, best practice and a clear strategy for implementation and impact.

Our Approach

  • Maintaining a deep focus on students and student learning.
  • Recognizing the needs of and work to elevate our lowest-compensated employees.
  • Communicating accurate information openly and transparently. This page will provide ongoing and regular updates about negotiations.
  • Learning union priorities and identifying areas of common interest and opportunities to build and sustain lasting partnerships.
  • Establishing and maintaining financial expenditure parameters that support Minneapolis Public Schools’s financial solvency and that align with the strategic plan.
  • Preparing and planning for timely negotiations so that all employees are working under a current contract.