Subdivision 1. Covered plans. This section applies to all defined benefit plans specified in section 356.30, subdivision 3, except clause (9).

Subd. 2. Purchase procedure for strike periods. (a) An employee covered by a plan specified in subdivision 1 may purchase allowable service credit in the applicable plan for any period of time during which the employee was on a public employee strike without pay, not to exceed a period of one year, if the employee makes a payment in lieu of salary deductions as specified in paragraph (b) or (c), whichever applies. The employing unit, at its option, may pay the employer portion of the amount specified in paragraph (b) on behalf of its employees.

(b) If payment is received by the applicable pension plan executive director within one year from the end of the strike, the payment amount is equal to the applicable employee and employer contribution rates specified in law for the applicable plan during the strike period, applied to the employee's rate of salary in effect at the conclusion of the strike for the period of the strike without pay, plus compound interest at the applicable monthly rate or rates specified in section 356.59, subdivision 2, 3, 4, or 5, whichever applies, from the last day of the strike period until the date payment is received.

(c) If payment is received by the applicable pension fund director after one year and before five years from the end of the strike, the payment amount is the amount determined under section 356.551.

(d) Payments may not be made more than five years after the end of the strike.

History: 1Sp2005 c 8 art 2 s 1; 2007 c 134 art 2 s 42; 2014 c 275 art 2 s 25; 2015 c 68 art 3 s 13; 2018 c 211 art 6 s 35