One of the most frustrating things that can happen when the employer unintentionally (or intentionally) violates our contract is being unable to do anything about it because of a technicality. By far, the most common cause of this is not meeting the time requirements of the grievance process. The first step of the grievance process requires that an interaction between an employee and their supervisor occurs where the dispute is raised within 20 days of the event, or when the employee should have known of the event “through reasonable diligence.” “Reasonable diligence” is a somewhat vague ... Read More >>
MGEC Members Pass Tentative Agreement
The results are in with a fantastic turnout. MGEC membership voted to accept the contract. Employees represented by the MGEC contract were sent an email listing the details of the vote and opportunities for future involvement. Thanks to everyone who voted! ... Read More >>
MGEC Contract
Recently, MGEC and MMB have reached a tentative agreement on a contract for the period of July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. Prior to reaching that tentative agreement, we were scheduled for Interest Arbitration September 7-9. Recently, MMB asked MGEC to return to mediation to discuss range reassignments for classifications that require a professional license (engineers and surveyors). They stated that recent data, difficulty hiring, and retirements suggests to them they need to move those classes to the next higher pay range. MGEC encourages them to make those changes they’ve determined merit ... Read More >>
MGEC Elections
Each year the MGEC Executive Board has positions open for the following year allowing half the board to turn over each year. Past board members usually comment that being on the board was educational, a good experience, and gave them broader exposure to their work world. The 2022 election for positions starting January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024 is open. Be part of the bargaining process for the next contract. The election takes place the end of October or early November. Full members are encouraged to express interest to contact MGEC or call 651-774-0996 to ask questions. Nonmembers can sign ... Read More >>
What happens if I retire before the contract gets settled through arbitration?
As we are all aware, we are working under a contract whose term ran through June 30th, 2021. However, the terms of the contract remain in effect until a successor agreement is reached voluntarily or an order from an arbitrator is in place. MMB asked MGEC to return to mediation July 29th. The outcome was a Tentative Agreement (TA) which MGEC will send out to the membership for a vote. If the majority of the voting members reject the TA, we continue to arbitration but new dates will be selected. If the majority of the voting members accept the TA, the agreement still has to go to the Legislative ... Read More >>
Weingarten Rights
Too often state employees find themselves in interviews with HR alone. Sometimes they are asked to recount something they witnessed. But sometimes these interviews can transition an employee from being a witness of an event to the subject of an investigation. As a union-represented employee, you have rights in these situations that aren’t otherwise available. One of the most important is your right to have a union representative present in such a meeting, also known as your Weingarten right. Any meeting with management can involve your Weingarten right if you reasonably suspect the outcome ... Read More >>