Unions reach tentative deal with state

Two unions representing about 31,000 state employees announced a tentative 2-year collective bargaining agreement with the state of Minnesota Thursday.

The deal negotiated by the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees includes a 2 percent wage increase starting in January 2013, according to a letter sent to union members. Under the tentative agreement, union members would also pay a larger share of their health insurance costs.

Union members will need to vote on the proposal before it's approved. The vote will likely take place the week of July 23. Both unions' bargaining teams recommended that members vote to accept the deal, according to the letter. If workers approve the contract, it will then need to pass the joint Subcommittee on Employee Relations at the state Legislature.

Union representatives would not talk on the record about the tentative agreement. Calls to state officials were not returned.

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