If a budget deal is not reached with Legislative leaders and the Governor by June 30, 2011 , a State government shutdown will commence on July 1, 2011 . The MMA Labor Agreement requires advance notice of layoffs; therefore, most supervisors can anticipate receiving layoff notices by June 10, 2011 , as the State prepares for the possibility of a shutdown.
Generally, supervisors laid off will qualify for unemployment insurance benefits and will need to apply for those benefits.
Under our collective bargaining agreement, classified supervisors who have been employed for three years or more with the State and who are laid off will receive the Employer’s share of health insurance for six months. Currently MMA , along with other unions, are trying to negotiate the smooth continuation of health insurance benefits for all supervisors during the period of any State shutdown. More concrete information on health insurance will be provided by the State (and MMA ) later as the details get worked out.
Baring a deal between the legislators and the Governor, it is expected that in mid to late June, that the Attorney General’s Office will seek and obtain a court order to authorize payment for continued “critical” or “core” State operations. Administration would then be responsible for determining which supervisors will be deemed as performing those critical or core operations. Thereafter certain supervisors involved in those core operations will be told to show up for work.
At this time, it is unclear whether supervisors employed at MnSCU and certain boards, will continue to work as usual or if operations will cease at some point.
Because of the importance of preparing for a possible shutdown, and with Legislative leaders and the Governor no closer to reaching an agreement on the State budget, bargaining with the State on a new contract has been delayed.
Minnesota Management and Budget has just launched the “Beready” website, to help answer employee’s questions regarding a possible shutdown. Click here; www.bereadymn.com to access the site and then click on “2011 State Government Contingency Planning”, and then click on “Employee Information”.
MMA will also provide updates as additional information becomes available.
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