SF2895

Purpose of the Bill

The bill modifies existing laws regarding the conditions under which teachers in Minnesota can go on strike. It is aimed at specifying additional requirements that must be met before teachers in local school districts can legally strike.

Main Provisions

• Conditions for Strike: Teachers may strike only if:

  1. The collective bargaining agreement with their employer has expired, or if no agreement has been reached and an impasse has occurred.
  2. Both the teachers' representative and the employer have participated in at least 30 days of mediation with a mediator present to help resolve disputed issues.
  3. Neither party has requested interest arbitration, or a request for binding interest arbitration has been rejected.
  4. The employer has not proposed a collective bargaining agreement that increases district costs for salaries and benefits by the maximum allowable increase laid out in new subdivision 2a.

• Employer Violations: If the employer violates specific statutory provisions, teachers can also strike.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill adds a new provision that stipulates the employer must offer a collective bargaining agreement that increases district costs by at least a specified maximum amount for salaries and benefits, as per subdivision 2a, to prevent a strike.
• It elaborates the conditions and processes surrounding mediation and arbitration before a strike can occur, ensuring both parties actively engage in problem-solving before resorting to a strike.

Relevant Terms

• Teacher strike
• Collective bargaining
• Mediation
• Arbitration
• Employment laws
• School district
• Salaries and benefits
• Labor modifications