Newsletters

Several MnDOT FLSA exempt employees have recently been asked to pay back hours they worked in pay periods that contained both holidays and approved overtime.  While …

If you are participating in the deferred compensation (MNDCP 457b) program, first off, congratulations on taking charge of your financial future!  But you also need to be aware that the …

MnDOT Metro District will be notifying employees in the near future of a new survey process that will assess the current state of the Metro District and inform decision-making as it moves forward.  According …

This is your final reminder to submit your MGEC scholarship applications for the Family Member Scholarships and the Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship. Applications must be …

After over 22 years of service, MGEC Executive Director Dana Wheeler has “sailed” towards retirement.  We wish him well as he moves into the next chapter, and I thank him for …

As a State of Minnesota employee, your healthcare provided through the SEGIP plan is bargained similarly to how the collective bargaining agreement between MGEC and the State is bargained.  But …

Every year, MGEC members are placed into the difficult position of having to lower their vacation balances down to the cap of 275 hours before the start of the next fiscal year, July …

The deadline for MGEC Scholarship and Award nominations is Friday, June 30, 2023, by 5:00 pm. One of the benefits of MGEC membership is an opportunity to receive either …

As of this writing, the Department of Health has advised its unions that 233 people are directly impacted by the cancellation of federal grants.  57 of those are contractors who were …

At most state agencies, your seniority lists are available in your local network.  MGEC …

We are aware of emails going around that seem like they could be from MGEC board members or other MGEC people.  They seem to be scraping contact information from our website to engage …

This year’s MGEC Annual Meeting and Golf Event are scheduled for MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd.  Like last year, we plan on having a 9-hole golf tournament with a shotgun start at 2pm at Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale, …

The results of the MGEC membership survey are in!  We are now in the process of collating and analyzing the results to determine what our membership needs.  To those FULL MGEC members who completed the survey, …

Unlike regular contract negotiations where each of the state’s unions negotiates their individual contracts with the State, the healthcare plans offered to employees are negotiated jointly in a …

Do you have someone in your family studying in a STEM field?  MGEC has several scholarships available: the Connie Mentor Memorial Scholarship and the Family Members Scholarship.  Applications opened March 1st, and …

The LPCR held its first meeting of the legislative session on March 11th.  It called itself to order and the State’s pension managers made reports. The State …

Senior leadership at the State of Minnesota, from Minnesota Management and Budget down through the agencies that MGEC members work for, are all reacting and planning for changes that may occur …

The Minnesota office of Management and Budget has changed its policy on insurance coverage that will directly affect employees …

Contract language in the MAPE, MMA, and MGEC contract allows an employee to work part-time but continue to receive a full-time contribution for …

Considering retirement. SEGIP will offer free two hour seminars for employees. Links to dates and registration. Link: https://mn.gov/mmb/segip/retirement/retirement-insurance-seminars.jsp …

MGEC is opening the opportunity to apply for scholarships (Family Member Scholarships and Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship). Applications will be accepted starting March 1, 2025, and …

I'm honored to welcome you to 2025 and thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your President.  I'm continuing what's become a recent tradition for MGEC of serving my 2nd term as MGEC …

We’ve discussed the importance of maintaining a complete and accurate position description (PD), particularly for those employees who are approaching a reallocation as they …

Workplace safety doesn’t encompass only severe or acute hazards such as one might find in an active construction site, for example.  Your employer is required to ensure that your …

The MGEC Executive Board changes about half its members each year. That allows all members greater opportunity for participation. This year we are saying thanks to the following board members who have …

2025 is almost here!  As we get ready to open a new calendar, we are also preparing to negotiate the next collective bargaining agreement with the State of Minnesota; the current agreement expires June 30, …

The Minnesota Infrastructure Alliance, formerly known as MN 2050, has rebranded and is planning communication and advocacy strategies for the upcoming …

It's been an honor serving as your president for the 2nd time, with half of it in absentia (3 months in Japan, 2 months in the Philippines and 1 month in Guam).   Many thanks to Dan Sullivan for his …

The MGEC Board Election Results are in.  Even though we didn’t have any contested races in this cycle, we wanted to maintain the rhythm of the election cycle for several reasons: we want to make sure …

On Wednesday, November 5th, a “meet and confer” meeting was held between senior MnDOT staff and MGEC.  The goal of a meet and confer is to identify issues that affect members within a specific agency …

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)– the state agency that manages operations for its various agencies – announced that they are altering how they expect time to be entered for employees who …

Do you value what MGEC does for you?  Do you see new employees come into your workplace and recognize the importance of being a member of MGEC?  MGEC’s Representatives serve as our site-based …

The statewide Joint Labor Management Committee met October 15th to discuss changes to next year’s health plan.  There aren’t any large-scale changes in this off-cycle …

Has the digital age replaced the value of face -to-face interaction? No. While each person communicates using differing modalities, and digital communication is more frequent and in greater quantity …

If you are a member of MGEC in good standing, you should have received a ballot for this year’s election of the MGEC Board and Officers.  If you haven’t received it, make sure you check your spam …

Held in the upstairs Grand Oak Marsh Room on September 26th, the MGEC Annual Meeting recapped the previous year and mapped the year ahead. The audience of over 50 heard reports from Vice President Corey …

We’ve heard a number of folks who have expressed the difference that working under the MGEC contracts have made in their lives.  People who have come from other states where they …

A workplace investigation can happen at work at any point with very little warning.  Even if you’re not the subject of an investigation, you might be called as a witness.  Either …

Do you have ideas and energy regarding how MGEC functions and want to be part of the team that “steers the ship”?  Now is the time to consider running for our …

On Monday, July 8th, Tony Kelly travelled to Camp Ripley to meet with our Military Affairs group to discuss current MGEC issues over amazing pizza from The Main Gate.  While this is an off year for …

Have you considered either reducing or increasing the number of hours you work? New contract language in Article 6; Section 6 allows for the employee, employer and the union (MGEC) to agree to change …

The MGEC Board approved dues increase for members. Previous notice and explanation for the increase was provided 12 March 2024. The increase was two parts, like the wages increases of the current contract. …

This is your final reminder to submit your MGEC scholarship applications for the Family Member Scholarships and the Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship. Applications must be …

MGEC has confirmed the afternoon of September 26th for the Annual Meeting/Dinner & Golf Tournament. (More details coming soon) …

Bemidji Lunch Event On May 22nd, Labor Rep Tony Kelly facilitated an MGEC Lunch at MnDOT’s facility in Bemidji.  Members were able to enjoy lunch and receive a face-to-face update of what is happening …

MGEC had so many agenda items for the May 1st Meet and Confer with the DOT that we had to schedule a second meeting!  The topics covered in both meeting included an update on the student loan reimbursement …

Friendly reminder to submit your MGEC scholarship applications for the Family Member Scholarships and the Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship. Applications must …

The physical exam is an essential part of any doctor's visit. Surprisingly, though, there are no absolutes in a routine physical. A good doctor may be thorough or brief, but they …

The Minnesota Department of Health changed the Fair Labor Standards Act status of approximately 14 MGEC-represented employees from “exempt” to “non-exempt”, effective the pay period …

Even with our best efforts to engage with our membership to bring updates and listen to concerns using technology, there is no substitute for in-person engagement.  In that spirit, MGEC is continuing …

In Minnesota renewals for the Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor licenses are due June 30, 2024. Somethings to keep in mind. Your state employer regularly checks public records to …

“Meet and Confer” meetings are held at the agency and labor level to address specific concerns that aren’t part of bargaining but still important to MGEC …

On Thursday, April 4th, MGEC hosted a webinar on ethics as a free benefit for its full members.  Facilitated by Hamline Distinguished Law Professor David Schultz, the theme of the presentation centered …

Your Position Description (PD) is the basis of all things relating to your compensation: job audits, reallocations, or agency-initiated compensation studies all use the PD as the first step …

Nearing retirement? Congratulations! You’ve worked a long time to reach this day. Before it happens, there are many things to attend to. Communicate with MSRS about your …

The public employee bargaining unit representatives on the Joint Labor Management Committee on Health Insurance are interested in your feedback about the current vision benefits offered by the …

The MGEC Board has approved a dues increase for full members. Starting with the March 13 pay period, dues will be $16.54. We don’t increase dues without great consideration. Current MGEC full member dues …

MGEC will be offering an online professional ethics class on April 4, from Noon to 2 pm taught by David Schultz, Distinguished University Professor of …

MGEC has opened the opportunity to apply for scholarships (Family Member Scholarships and Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship). Applications must be received by MGEC no …

The LPCR has been meeting since the start of the legislative session.  The bipartisan commission develops pension bills most sessions that can range from minor revisions …

The 2023-2025 contract changed the “Adjusting Length of Service Credit” language as highlighted below. If you would like to request additional vacation service credit for prior private sector service not …

Employees who set aside money in pretax Dependent Care (daycare), Transit and Medical/Dental expense accounts have until Feb. 29 to complete reimbursement requests …

MGEC is opening the opportunity to apply for scholarships (Family Member Scholarships and Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship). Applications will be accepted starting March 1, 2024, and …

Happy New Year from Okinawa!   First and foremost, thank you to Dan Sullivan for his leadership in the past year! His hard work and along with a dedicated MGEC Staff and bargaining team, we were able to …

MGEC is powered by its membership.  Our strength at the bargaining table comes from those who choose to be members.  But the team that steps to the next level are those elected to the Executive Board.  …

Do you have prior military service?  Did you take a break in state service to serve in the military? If you either have military service prior to your employment with the State of Minnesota, or …

Article 19, section 2 of MGEC’s contract with the state ties eligible mileage reimbursement rates to the federal IRS rate.  As we are all keenly aware, transportation costs have increased, and the IRS has …

If you separated/changed from State service after 7/1/23 you are entitled to backpay for the increased rate of pay effective retroactively to 7/1/23. This would include those …

MMB has informed MGEC that the MGEC Contract 2023 – 2025 will be implemented 12-20-2023.  The new contract is available on the MGEC website. The new contract rate of pay will be implemented …

I am and will remain grateful for the opportunity to again serve as the President of the Minnesota Government Engineering Council during 2023. Things have changed immeasurably since I last served. At the turn …

The MGEC Executive Board changes about half its members each year. That allows all members greater opportunity for participation. This year we are saying thanks to the following board members who have …

On Tuesday, December 5th, MGEC held a Pizza Lunch at Camp Ripley to meet with our members who work for the Department of Military Affairs.  MGEC’s engineering professionals ensure the safe operation …

Also on Tuesday, December 5th, MDH held its quarterly “meet and confer” with the unions who represent its staff.  Two of the prominent subjects of the conversation were student loan …

MGEC has been approached by MMB with two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) seeking our agreement.  The first MOU is about Sick and Safe Time and the second concerns a potential …

MGEC joined several other unions at a fall Employee Day. This event had been on hold the past several years due to COVID and a shortage of funds. Now the transportation department finds itself with …

MGEC is guided by an Executive Board. Each year about half of the positions on the board are up for election. Nominations will be received through October 28, 2023. To express interest in a position on the …

MGEC is very proud to have awarded Julian Klemann, Joey Stam and Erik DeSmith the Family Member scholarships; we want to do our part to encourage students to pursue engineering as a rewarding …

Thank you to all of the golfers that participated in our annual golf tournament. We were fortunate to have beautiful weather which contributed to the fun day everyone had. Events like this are a great …

MGEC is guided by an Executive Board. Each year about half of the positions on the board are up for election. Nominations will be received through October 28, 2023. To express interest in a …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

MGEC Representative and Board Member Sam Padelford facilitated Lunch with MGEC at the Department of Labor and Industry on Wednesday, June 14th.  Pizza came by way of Little …

Did you know MGEC has a number of folks who have stepped into leadership positions as MGEC Worksite Representatives?  If you have any questions that are specific to your works location, reaching out to your …

MGEC has opened the opportunity to apply for one of three scholarships (2 Family Member Scholarships and 1 Connie Minetor Memorial Scholarship). Applications are currently being …

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 …

The 2021-2023 MGEC Contract is in effect. However, the legislature needs to approve of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for it to remain in effect once the current legislature adjourns. That …

Do you have ideas or issues with dental and health insurance that we can bring to Coalition Insurance Bargaining in March? If so email us at mgec@mgec.org. …

Each year when the new board begins, they evaluate the committee list and decide which committees they feel they need. As a full member, you have an opportunity to be part of the committee and make recommendations …

Here we are wrapping up the first month of 2023! Last year marked 30 years with the State of Minnesota for me. I had the opportunity to serve the MGEC membership very early in my young career and look …

On Friday, the 13th, members of the Public Employees’ Pension Commission (PEPC) group convened to discuss the upcoming legislative session in hopes that they can lobby the legislature to …

Article 19, section 2 of MGEC’s contract with the state ties eligible mileage reimbursement rates to the federal IRS rate.  As we are all keenly aware, transportation costs have increased, and the IRS has …

Thank you for allowing me to serve as MGEC President in 2022!  It was an honor to help lead MGEC through the many challenges presented over the past year.  I hope that we increased our transparency and …

Sometimes our fellow coworkers experience life events where they run into severe hardship because they run out of benefits and are unable to work. You can make a huge difference in their lives! Consider donating …

Employees often ask about traveling for work events or conferences. Sometimes the event or conference starts Monday morning and the employee travels during their off time on the weekend. It is common for the …

The 2023 Election results are in. Changes to the board take effect January 1, 2023 which include: Dan Sullivan (MnDOT) ascending from Vice President to President, Fernando Nacionales becoming Vice …

Employees denied the Juneteenth Holiday of 2022 shall be allowed an additional floating holiday. This was effective October 4, 2022, but the employer is just getting around to having agency payroll staff enter the …

Employees should have received backpay for periods from 7/1/21 - 6/30/22 and 7/1/22 through the pay period ending 10-25-22. In some cases, employees believe they have found errors in the amount of backpay. In those …

MMB plans to process the MGEC Range Reassignment for affected job classes the weekend of October 28, effective 10/26/2022 (the first day of the second full pay period following contract ratification, as …

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 …

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 …

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 …

MGEC received the Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) MOU from MMB on December 1st, 2020. MGEC has a process that allows our Executive Committee to approve modifications to the contract when additional …

MMB has again set up their system to automatically match the first $300 that an employee contributes to deferred compensation for FY 2021. No action is required for employees to select the match. …

Conference Call with State Labor Unions Governor Walz held a conference phone call with the state employee unions today. His message included some of the following: Thanks to state employees; he knows …

The current MGEC contract provides for the employer to match the first $300 and employee contributes to his/her deferred compensation account. Each year, to get the $300 matching funds, every …

Our construction project is complete! MGEC turned 50 last year, and we determined it was time for some much-needed updates to our constitution, policies, committee structure, and member outreach. Our …