Met Council labor-relations briefing outlines upcoming bargaining schedule, ATU contract on 2026 horizon
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Summary
Assistant Director Cassie Fogle briefed the Metropolitan Council on the Council's labor-relations approach and schedule, noting multiple bargaining units, ATU's contract expiration windows, essential unit designations under the Minnesota Public Employment Labor Relations Act, and expectations for committee review and ratification processes.
Cassie Fogle, assistant director of labor relations, presented an overview of upcoming union negotiations at the Metropolitan Council’s Jan. 28 meeting.
Fogle described the labor-relations team and said the Council coordinates negotiations with 12 unions. She noted that some units are designated essential under the Minnesota Public Employment Labor Relations Act (meaning interest arbitration may follow an impasse) while others retain the right to strike after contract expiration. She displayed contract expiration dates and said the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) contract is noted with an expiration in mid-2026, and that staff plan to engage proactively with union partners to avoid retroactive payments and to negotiate ahead of expirations.
Fogle explained the Council’s internal governance in bargaining: tentative agreements are reviewed, tentative agreement summaries and red-line contract language are prepared and, if ratified by union members, agreements are reviewed by the management committee and then placed on the Council agenda for final approval.
Council members asked whether the Council would begin negotiations earlier than in prior cycles and Fogle said staff are planning earlier engagement to avoid retroactivity and to better manage timelines. The briefing concluded with a reminder that the management committee will monitor negotiations and the Council will be updated as bargaining progresses.