June 11, 2009

Negotiations Update –Negotiations continued Wednesday, June 10, 2009.  The State remains immoveable in their position -  proposing a wage freeze both years and progression steps only in FY 2011.  MGEC offered multiple economic proposals related to compensatory time, vacation time or deferred compensation.  When proposals were cost neutral, and met the employer's standards, the employer changed their standards and refused the the proposals.  MGEC remains committed to working to reach a voluntary agreement, but no additional dates have been set for bargaining.  At this point in time, employees can expect current contract language to remain in effect after June 30, 2009.  Open issues include: step discussions, deferred compensation, compensatory time/vacation time conversion to deferred compensation, redoing the compensation study in 2011, and the $125 employer contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account in 2011.  MGEC members wanting worksite meeting to discuss negotiations should ask their MGEC Contact Person to set up a meeting.

MGEC welcomes Joe Fleisher back to the MGEC Executive Board.  Congratulations to MGEC Director Linda Taylor who was recently promoted!  The board appointed Joe to fill the balance of Linda's term through 2010.  Joe is a Land Surveyor with the Dept. of Natural Resources and has served as the MGEC member on the DNR Labor Management Team for the last four years.

US DOT Fraud Hotline -  The US DOT introduced a telephone number anyone may call when they suspect fraud pertaining to federal funding of transportation projects.  MnDOT employees should call 800-424-9071 to report any concerns about fraud or the misuse of transportation funds.

MnSCU Early Retirement Incentive - During the 2009 legislative session, a law was passed as part of the pension omnibus bill authorizing MnSCU to offer early separation incentive programs. The law authorizes the MnSCU Board of Trustees to offer a targeted early retirement incentive program for its employees. The cost of the incentive is the responsibility of each individual college or university. It is expected that these offers may not be consistently offered by all colleges and universities to all groups of employees.

Deferred Compensation Match - Each fiscal year the employer matches the first $300 the employee puts into deferred compensation.  Currently 90% of MGEC members use this program.  If you are an employee not using this program, consider starting a minimum of $300 saved pre-tax before July 1, 2009 and receive a matching $300 just for participating.  That's a 100% return on your investment.

Unallotment, what is it?  For more information go to http://minnesotabudgetbites.org/2009/05/19/governor-will-unallot-to-balance-the-state-budget/

Save The Date - The MGEC Annual Meeting and Golf Tournament is Monday, September 14 at StoneRidge Golf Club.

WorkWell^SM Brown Bags - MDH Freeman Building B145. "Thriving Through Stress," June 29, 12:00-12:45 and "Are You Suffering an Energy Shortage?, July 21  Stress and Energy Flyers