Minnesota State Workers To Lose Same-Sex Benefits

Gay and lesbian state employees are a step closer to losing same-sex partner benefits.

House and Senate committees approved bills Monday to nullify the benefits that had been part of union contracts negotiated in 2001.

The legislature has held up ratifying the contracts because of the benefit package. Union leaders are supporting the concession to prevent pay cuts for 44-thousand-500 state employees.

The legislation is the second assault on Minnesota's gay community this month. A bill that would eliminate all civil rights protections was introduced in the legislature last week. (story)

The removal of same-sex partner benefits from the union contracts would affect about 85 couples.

Russell Stanton, a lobbyist for a union representing state college professors, says union leaders are simply bowing to political realities.

Mark Iezek, who works for the Department of Administration says the bill shows the state values some employees more than others. It will leave his partner without any health care benefits.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty supports the legislation, which would finally confer state approval on annual pay increases averaging 3 per cent won by unions in a two-week strike in the fall of 2001.

There remains one sticking point, however. Although the House and Senate bills are nearly identical, the Senate version includes paid leave for state workers in the event of death or illness of their same-sex domestic partners.

House leaders are opposed to the clause.

The legislation must pass through one more Senate committee and three in the House before reaching floor votes.

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