The Metropolitan Council approved updates to its 2026 non-represented employee plan and a subsequent amendment to add a chief safety officer job classification.

Councilmember Johnson described proposed changes affecting about 550 non-represented employees: a 3 percent general increase, clarified definitions for interns and temporary employees, adjustments to leave and compliance with statutory rest and meal-break rules, and expanded bereavement eligibility. Johnson noted the plan aligns benefits with labor agreements and best practices; the council approved the plan as presented.

After staff identified an omission, Johnson moved to amend exhibit B to add the job classification of "chief safety officer" with a salary grade of E1. Councilmember Lee asked whether the chief safety officer is in the police department and about the position’s relationship to the police chief; the regional administrator replied that the chief safety officer is located in Metro Transit and is intended to elevate systemwide safety functions (OSHA compliance, rail safety, employee safety) rather than be part of a police chain of command. The council approved the amendment and the main motion by voice vote.

What’s next: exhibit B will be updated to include the chief safety officer classification and the regional administrator will implement the revised 2026 non-represented plan effective Dec. 20, 2025.