01/26/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Legislative Fundin for Parks and Own S�ce The Minnesota Legislature has supported the acquisition, development and operations/maintenance of state, regional and local parks through biennial appropriations from state bonding and general fund revenues. The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association appreciates the financial support provided by the Legislature in creating and maintaining park and open space facilities to serve Minnesota residents and tourists. ACTION: MRPA supports legislation for capital development and operations/maintenance which would provide adequate funding levels for state and regional park systems to meet the outdoor recreation needs of Minnesota residents and tourists. Furthermore, the MRPA supports an appropriation of $5 million for matching grants for the local government outdoor recreation ,grant program. Public Employment Labor Relations Act: Temporary or Seasonal Employees The 1983 Legislature amended the Public Employment Labor Relations Act so that a temporary or seasonal public employee who is employed for more than 67 days during a calendar ,year will be eligible for exclusive union representation. As a result of the amendment, public employers could be required to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment for those seasonal employees working more than 67 days in a calendar ,year. Previous legislation allowed a temporary or seasonal employee to work for 100 days before being eligible for exclusive union representation. Minnesota Recreation and Park Association has many concerns relative to the negative impact the 67 day rule has created. Given the seasonal nature of park and recreation services, application of the 67 day rule is detrimental to both employer and employee. The types of compensation and benefits which unions may seek for temporary or seasonal employees could be detrimental to public employers' budgets, resulting in the employment of fewer people. Finally, the exclusion for students under 22 may result in temporary or seasonal public jobs only being offered to those in this category, excluding non -students or students above age 22. The Legislature should amend the Public Employee Labor Relations Act so that temporary or seasonal employees under PELRA could work for 120 (not 67) days before being eligible for exclusive union representation. ACTION: MRPA will inform legislators on the effects of PERLA on local park and recreation programs and will work with other associations/groups on recommendations for change.