This case involved two separate issues. 1) The current MGEC contract provided for Employees in Ranges 1 & 4 to switch from annual progression steps to steps every six months. At issue was implementation of when employees were due their next steps once the contract became effective. MGEC believed that any employees in those pay ranges whose last step increase was six months or more in the past deserved the increase on May 18, 2020, because more than six months had passed since their last progression. The employer denied that interpretation and claimed that they must wait six months after ... Read More >>
Activity/Organization updates
MGEC Wins Arbitration
MGEC filed a grievance concerning employees who were not paid their Deferred Compensation match in 2019. This issue impacted approximately 462 employees! Arbitrator Wallin found that the employer’s change in process, so employees had to request matching funds was not reasonable; not done properly, and did not apply to employees who wanted the deferred comp match. Arbitrator Wallin said the process only applied to employees seeking to cash out vacation, not those who wished to receive the $300 in matching funds for their deferred compensation account. The state had attempted to argue they ... Read More >>
Upcoming Events
The annual member meeting has been rescheduled for August 30th, from 4-5 pm. It will be a virtual only event. The annual MGEC golf event has been scheduled for September 13th, starting with a 12 pm tee time at Oak Marsh Golf Course. The fee with cart is $61.00 ($43.49 without cart). Register by calling 1-651-730-8886 or online at www.oakmarshgolf.com. This is a golf only event. MGEC is not hosting a dinner after the event. ... Read More >>
PE Review Class changes
MGEC will no longer be providing a PE exam review course. MGEC started offering the PE exam review class in the early 1990s; this long standing tradition was successful for almost 30 years! This change is the result of upcoming retirements for some instructors and other instructors balancing many responsibilities (work, children, etc.). The exams have been transitioning to an online basis and it’s expected that all will be online within the next couple of years. Instead, starting in November 2020, MGEC will provide reimbursement for Full Members enrolled in a review course for their ... Read More >>
Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) Update Feb. 2021
As of January, agencies were able to submit plans to utilize the ERI to MMB. The following agencies have chosen to NOT use the ERI: PCA, MnDOT, Revenue Agencies/Offices approved include the Board of Chiropractic, Office of Ombudsman Initial deadlines set by MMB for the ERI program are fast approaching. Interested employees should talk to their supervisor and Human Resources (HR) staff. The ERI will go before the legislature for approval this year. Until such time, agencies may continue to offer the ERI since it was not rejected by the SER. As agencies are waiting for the February ... Read More >>
Negotiations Update February 2021
The Negotiations Committee has been working since last August to review the contract and draft proposals to revise contract language. A negotiation survey was sent out through email on February 17th. It will remain open until February 26th. Please complete the survey if you haven't already, as this information will help the Negotiations Committee prioritize between proposals. MGEC has requested dates to bargain in May and June but has not yet received a response from the employer. Coalition insurance bargaining is expected to start in April. Insurance focused issues should be ... Read More >>