After years of grumbling and questions, the Minnesota Department of Heath decided to end their practice of requiring receipts for meals reimbursement. Thanks to Fernando Nacionales for listening to employees and speaking out when the issue was raised in a Meet & Confer between MDH management and MGEC! Thank you to MDH leadership for taking a new look at an old issue. The amount of meal reimbursement is still too low. But it’s being discussed in bargaining this year and increases are expected. ... Read More >>
Bargaining Update
MGEC met with the State August 17, 2023. At this stage of bargaining, the state likes to propose “drop/drop” packages to eliminate many of the proposals made by either side. MGEC asked that the process focus on proposals most important to reach a voluntary agreement that might be satisfactory to the parties. Given a clear history of the state providing the same Across The Board (ATB) increases to all unions, MGEC proposed the State make their economic offer so all proposals could be considered at the same time. The State responded with a take it all or nothing package that included increases ... Read More >>
Market Rate Compensation Support
The Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association sent a letter to Governor Walz and MMB that states, “urging you to consider the need for higher salaries for engineers at the Department of Transportation.” The need for skilled engineers (Surveyors and specialist) in several agencies is critical to the success of many facets of our state economy, infrastructure and the work of other organizations. ... Read More >>
MGEC Executive Board Elections
Nominations have started to come in for MGEC Board positions taking office January 1, 2024. Terms are two years for positions other than Vice President. Open positions include VP, Treasurer, Director (4 positions). Experience on the Board provides participants with valuable insight to the governing process of MGEC as well as the management process within state agencies. Nominate yourself by completing the Application or sending an email to mgec@mgec.org. ... Read More >>
MDH Meet and Confer
MGEC is very thankful that Minnesota Department of Health has finally staffed Human Resources appropriately and fully. The agency provided services to the public throughout the COVID crisis. Staff often took on new responsibilities while maintaining their prior assignments. Thankfully, MDH rewarded their employees for such stellar performance with bonuses this last year. MGEC met with MDH HR and Labor Relations this past week to address the following topics: Lateral Postings, Mileage calculations while teleworking, Teleworking, and Meal reimbursements For more details contact ... Read More >>
MDH Executive Meet and Confer
July 17, 2023, MDH started Executive Meet & Confers on a quarterly basis. MGEC began with thanking Commissioner Brooke Cunningham for making communication and working with employees a new priority. MGEC also carried to this meeting the discussion about MDH requiring meal receipts. Other agencies have reimbursed meals without that requirement. Other participants raised their voice suggesting appreciation for MGEC bringing this topic to the forefront this will be investigated by the labor relations and the commissioner. Why did the department of Health require receipts when some other ... Read More >>