The MSCF Tentative Agreement: A Breakdown for Higher Education Professionals

The Minnesota State College Faculty (MSCF), which represents over 4,000 educators and professionals working in Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, has reached a tentative agreement with the Minnesota State Administration after months of negotiations.

The tentative agreement, which must be ratified by MSCF members and the Minnesota State Board of Trustees, includes a 2.5% salary increase for the 2022-2023 school year, with an additional 1.5% salary increase for faculty members who have been with their institution for five or more years. The agreement also includes language on workload, professional development, and healthcare benefits.

Here’s a closer look at what the MSCF Tentative Agreement means for higher education professionals:

Salary Increases

The 2.5% salary increase for the 2022-2023 school year is a welcome development for MSCF members who have been pushing for fair compensation for their work. The additional 1.5% salary increase for more seasoned faculty members is a sign of the MSCF’s commitment to retaining experienced educators who have been with their institutions for a significant amount of time.

Workload

The tentative agreement includes language on workload, which has been a major issue for higher education professionals in recent years. The agreement establishes a Joint Workload Committee, which will be responsible for developing a process for monitoring and addressing workload concerns. The committee will consist of equal numbers of MSCF and Minnesota State Administration representatives.

Professional Development

The agreement also includes language on professional development, which is crucial for higher education professionals who want to stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in their fields. The agreement establishes a Joint Professional Development Committee, which will be responsible for developing and implementing professional development programs for MSCF members.

Healthcare Benefits

Healthcare benefits are a major concern for many higher education professionals, particularly in light of ongoing debates about healthcare reform and rising healthcare costs. The MSCF Tentative Agreement includes language on healthcare benefits, which will be maintained at the current level for the duration of the agreement.

Next Steps

The MSCF Tentative Agreement is subject to ratification by MSCF members and the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. If the agreement is ratified, it will go into effect on July 1, 2022. Higher education professionals are encouraged to stay informed about the ratification process and to participate in discussions about the agreement’s implementation.

In conclusion, the MSCF Tentative Agreement is a positive step forward for higher education professionals in Minnesota. The agreement recognizes the important work that MSCF members do and provides them with fair compensation, support for professional development, and a process for addressing workload concerns. By working together, MSCF members and the Minnesota State Administration can continue to improve the quality of education in Minnesota and ensure that higher education professionals can thrive in their careers.