Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid union, management ratify agreement

JOINT STATEMENT (Minneapolis, Minn.) We — the MMLA Workers Union and MMLA Management, together — are thrilled to announce the ratification of the first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in our institution’s storied history. This agreement envisions and delivers a future that builds on our organization’s progressive values. After months of intense, good-faith negotiations, we are proud to produce a contract that protects and empowers staff. We are now well positioned to sustain our work providing necessary legal services for all Minnesotans.

In addition to the 14% wage increases secured at the front-end of bargaining and true to our shared values, we prioritized progressive wage increases throughout the duration of the contract. The CBA not only enshrines existing benefits, it also delivers transformational and progressive new benefits to MMLA staff.

This agreement reflects our commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where every employee’s voice is heard and valued. This CBA is not the end of our shared work. We look forward to mutually enacting the terms of this agreement and creating spaces to collectively envision the future of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. Through the Labor-Management Committee, and all mutually agreed-upon processes, we remain committed to building a stronger MMLA for all.

We look forward to continuing our partnership and working together to achieve our common goals. With this contract in place, we are ready to face the future. Now, more than ever, we must collectively build the world we want to live in and the workplaces we want to work in. In the face of mounting threats to the rule of law, we remain steadfast in our shared values, and commitment to build a better legal system and to ensure all Minnesotans have access to the justice they deserve. We — through our shared commitment to face this future together — are built for this moment.

Sincerely,

Milo Mumgaard, Executive Director
Brenna Brelie, Director of Operations
Luke Grundman, Litigation Director
Abigail Cerra, Deputy Director – Minneapolis Office
Jennifer Purrington, Deputy Director – Disability Law Center
Yasin Alsaidi, Deputy Director – St. Cloud & Willmar Office

Gigi Carr, Support Staff Manager
Megan Cook, HR Specialist
Beth Goodell, Supervising Attorney
Sarah McGuire, Legal Director – St. Cloud & Willmar

Jonah Giese, Workers Union President
Erika Wegscheider, Workers Union Vice President
Dustin House, Workers Union Treasurer
Sabina Beck, Workers Union Secretary
Jess Webster, Workers Union Bargaining Committee
Ellen Smart, Workers Union Bargaining Committee
Halley Norman, Workers UnionContract Action Team

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Media contact:
Lisa Ramirez | Lramirez@mylegalaid.org
Communications Director
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
612.746.3641