3 Ways to Get Involved TODAY
- Share your story at the form on this page
- Ask your colleagues to join our union (MFPE.org/Join)!
- Attend a worksite meeting (or help organize by emailing [email protected])!
- State Library: Tuesday, Sept. 15th | Noon
- State Historical Society: Monday, Sept. 21st | Noon
- Montana Dept. of Transportation (Main Helena Office, Auditorium East): Tuesday, October 6th | Noon
- Montana DOR Liquor Warehouse: Thursday, October 8th | 11 am
MFPE Member Resources:
September 17th Update: More work to do!
The State rejected the MFPE bargaining team's second proposal and countered this proposal (found HERE). Highlights:
- $0.65/hour or 1.5% raise in each year of the biennium
- Same as their first proposal for 2027; 4% & 4% increases in the State share in 2028 and 2029 (up 1.5% from their first proposal)
- Per diem: 80% the federal rate (the same MFPE members proposed in our second package)
MFPE members countered with our third package proposal (found HERE).
- $1.85/hour or 3.5% raise in each year of the biennium
- Similar to prior proposals; same premiums in 2027; slightly higher deductibles but lower max out of pockets
- Maintained asks for longevity and paid time off
Overnight, over 150 MFPE members submitted public comment on how these negotiations will impact their livelihoods and ability to deliver for Montana.
September 10th Update: Initial Proposals Exchanged!
The bargaining team met early in the morning at MFPE HQ to finalize the first proposal in Pay Plan negotiations. The proposal was built around the feedback, priorities, and needs identified in hundreds of member surveys. Read the entire first proposal HERE. Highlights below:
- We opened with $3.00 an hour or 6% raises in both 2027 and 2028.
- We asked to keep premiums the same in 2027 as they are today, offered some good faith ground with slight changes to deductibles & max out of pockets. And we pushed the State to increase their employer contributions 30% over the next three years.
- We spoke to longevity, per diems, and paid time off.
The State rejected our proposal and countered with THIS PROPOSAL (found HERE). Highlights below:
- Wages: $0.50 or 1% raises in each year of the biennium
- 2027 Health Plan: The State kept DOA's planned premium increases; $2000 individual deductible (down from DOA's proposed $3,000); and max out of pockets of $6,500 per individual (down from DOA's proposed $8,000) and family max out-of-pockets of $13,000 (down form DOA's proposed $16,000)
- They propose funding these changes by infusing $30 million in one-time-only funds in 2027. That, coupled with an additional 5% employer contribution, would be an increase of $38 million in the State's share.
- The State also asked union members to support efforts in the 2027 Legislature to bring hospitals' costs under control.
- Per diems: Increase from 70% to 75% of the Federal Rate.
- Deadline: The State is proposing we wrap up all bargaining over items impacting the budget by September 25th, otherwise they say the DOA's proposed changes will be implemented.
- Not addressed: Vacation, sick time pay out, or MUS funding.
After several hours of our team caucusing, we countered with THIS 2nd PACKAGE PROPOSAL. Highlights:
- Wages: $3 & 6% --> $2 & 4%
- Health insurance: Same as Proposal #1, including a $60,000,000 one-time-only infusion July 1, 2027.
September 3rd Update: MFPE Members Kick Off Pre-Budget Bargaining:
MFPE members have officially begun Pre-Budget Bargaining with the State of Montana, opening another opportunity to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for state and higher education employees.
At the first bargaining session, the State presented information on health insurance costs and projections, as well as an overview of Montana’s budget outlook. MFPE’s bargaining team spent the day digging into the numbers, asking questions, reviewing over 500 bargaining survey responses, and preparing for the work ahead.
The team returns to the table on September 10 to present its initial proposal on wages, health care, and other benefits—built from feedback provided by hundreds of MFPE members across Montana.
Pay Plan Bargaining is up to us—MFPE members. Winning the strongest agreement possible will take members staying informed, sharing their stories, organizing their coworkers, and taking action together.