Tim Walz mandates in-person work for state employees in Minnesota
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced a new requirement for state employees to work in the office at least 50% of the time starting on June 1, 2025.
- Unions representing tens of thousands of state workers expressed strong discontent with the sudden policy change, emphasizing the need for collaboration.
- The shift in policy has elicited varied reactions, with business owners hoping for increased customer traffic from returning state workers.
In Minnesota, the remote work policy for state employees changed significantly under Governor Tim Walz’s directive. Starting June 1, 2025, state employees are required to work in the office at least 50% of their workdays. This decision comes five years after the onset of the pandemic when many adapted to remote working environments. Walz indicated that this policy would balance the benefits of telework and the advantages of in-person work. The move invokes a mixed response, particularly from state employees who have grown accustomed to working remotely. The policy change has sparked controversy among unions representing around 40,000 state workers. Both the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 5 criticized the unilateral decision, suggesting that it reflects a lack of respect and collaboration between the administration and its union partners. Union leaders emphasize the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue regarding workplace policy changes, arguing that the administration’s approach undermines hard-fought work conditions. Moreover, while about 60% of state employees already work in person, the announcement has caught many off guard, especially those who have adjusted their lives to remote work. Workers like Nathan Ferrey, a state chemist, point to the difficulty of transitioning to an in-office schedule for those who have become accustomed to flexibility. On the other hand, some business owners in downtown St. Paul look forward to the potentially increased foot traffic from state workers returning to the office. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter has been a proponent of the policy, advocating for its importance to the community's vitality and downtown business recovery, following various closures in the area. As the June 1 implementation date approaches, it remains to be seen how well state employees will adapt to the new requirements and how the unions will respond to further discussions. The situation marks a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s workforce dynamics, as it balances the evolving work culture shaped by the pandemic against traditional in-person work expectations.