Who We Are

Who We Are

One Big Union for Montana

The Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE) is Montana’s largest union of dedicated public employees who work all across the state. We provide essential services to every citizen of Montana.

The tie that binds us together is a shared dedication to public service, to Montana’s people, and to the professional and economic well-being of Montana’s public employees. MFPE, Montana’s largest union, continues to be a union of the people, by the people, and for the people.

We are affiliated with the  American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA). MFPE members elect delegates to represent Montana members’ concerns at regional and national meetings of NEA and AFT. We are also affiliated with the AFL-CIO.

What is a union?

MFPE is a group of people working together to improve their work lives through collective bargaining. Having a union means we can collectively meet and negotiate with management over any issues that affect us and our jobs, including wages, health and retirement benefits, and working conditions. A union contract is a legally binding document that puts these agreements in writing.

Core Values

MFPE exists to promote the welfare of its members by representing them with respect to all terms and conditions of employment. We are a union of professionals that champions fairness, democracy, economic opportunity, high quality public education, and healthcare and public services for our families and communities.

We work for fairness and justice for our members and all Montanans.

We believe public services are essential to any civilized society. They allow families, communities, and businesses to thrive. They keep the middle class strong and help vulnerable people weather tough times and get back on their feet.

We believe public services and programs are smart investments that pay for themselves in the long run. They must be adequately funded.

We believe public education is the cornerstone of our democracy.

We believe all working people deserve a voice, a seat at the table, fair treatment in the workplace, and the right to collectively bargain for better working conditions.

We believe public service is work that matters. It is dignified, crucial work that benefits everyone. Public employees are the people who:

  • Keep our communities and neighborhoods safe
  • Keep our drinking water and food supply clean
  • Conduct research that creates new businesses and jobs
  • Educate our children, young people, and adults
  • Help us stay healthy
  • Protect our most vulnerable citizens—children, seniors, and others
  • And much more.