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. Serving in terms that are on a staggered cycle, the newest group of leadership began their terms January 1st, 2023. Charged with setting the direction of MGEC, this group brings the energy and ideas of those who work in the public service to the bargaining table. Elections are held every year for the staggered seats. While individuals often have different perspectives, through democratic ... Read More >>
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Public Employee Pension Committee (PEPC)
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 pass a comprehensive pension bill. Present were the Directors of PERA and MSRS. Attorney Brian Rice has been communicating to key legislators that a comprehensive pension bill is long past due, given the sacrifices that state employees have made over the last decade that have resulted in Minnesota being lower than average with respect to public funding of public pensions. Whereas the fund directors were ... Read More >>
Insurance Bargaining
Health insurance for State of Minnesota employees is collectively bargained. But unlike regular contract bargaining where each bargaining unit negotiates its own package, our healthcare is bargained as a coalition of all unions working together. The first step is for the unions to put together our proposal. A series of meetings for the unions to accomplish this is planned late winter. With bargaining taking place during April through June. It’s too soon to have a clear sense of what the exact proposals will be, but MGEC approaches both regular contract bargaining and health insurance ... Read More >>
IRS Mileage Increases
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 reflected some of that increase by raising the standard mileage rate by 3¢ to 65¢ per mile. When a State-owned vehicle is offered and declined by the employee, the Agency or designee shall authorize that mileage be paid at the rate of seven (7) cents less than the IRS mileage rate. The higher rate may be a paid if the use of the motor pool vehicle would have resulted in a greater cost to the ... Read More >>
Thank You & Best Wishes
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 provided several years of service. Jason Radde (Director 2020-2022), Kevin Joyce (Director 2020-2022), Michael Kruse (Director 2021-2022), Justin Kraus (Director 2021-2022) and Forrest Hasty (President 2020 & 2021, Director 2018-2020, and Past President 2022). Thank you for your years of service, recruitment of others and willingness to always put forward your ideas! ... Read More >>
We Need Your Help!
The state doesn’t consistently provide MGEC with updates to your work and personal information. In the event of a state shut down, we need a way to communicate with our members via their personal emails. While the information provided by the state about new employees is current at the time of hire, they do not pass along updates to MGEC. Therefore, please help us by keeping your contact information current! Here is the link to update us on your information. ... Read More >>