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 >>
Activity/Organization updates
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 >>
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 2024 election for positions starting January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025 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 >>
Change to MGEC Treasurer
Congratulations to Laura Lyons on her new position with the State of Minnesota in the Department of Commerce. Because that is not a position represented by MGEC, Laura has resigned as MGEC Treasurer. The MGEC Executive Board appointed Heather Gardner (DOT) to fill the remainder of the Treasurer’s term, through 12/31/2023. Heather previously served MGEC as a Director from 20120-2021. Welcome Back Heather! ... Read More >>
End of Fiscal Year Reminders
Remember to use your floating holiday and meet the required fiscal year balances for vacation, etc. before the end of the fiscal year (June 30). All employees who were in employment on June 20, 2022, received an additional floating holiday for Juneteenth Day. The additional floating holiday must be used on or before June 30, 2023. It will not carry over and will not be accumulated or paid off. ... Read More >>
MGEC Willmar Lunch
Approximately 30 MGEC members braved a blustery April day to participate in our latest MGEC lunch on the 4th. (And about 8 more joined us online!) The lunch served as a positive forum to hear the latest updates at the legislature, how MGEC is positioning itself for bargaining, and, maybe most importantly, to meet each other in person. Questions from members ranged from legislative updates to MGEC’s capacity to affect change at the legislature to understanding the timelines and potential events that can happen during bargaining. The in-person event facilitated a good discussion of MGEC ... Read More >>