Dec 12, 2023
Contract Funding Update

At long last, we are able to confirm the dates that your contractual raises and retro payments will be in your paychecks. NAGE advocated for our member's money to be in their checks as soon as possible, and we are pleased to report that the Healey Administration heard us, and has gotten it done. Both MassDOT and the Trial Court have confirmed that they will be following the Executive Branch's payment schedule. 

Please find the schedule below: 

• The July 2, 2023 salary increase will be included in the December 22, 2023 pay advice.
• Salary payments retroactive to July 2, 2023 will be included in the December 22, 2023 pay advice.
• Retroactive payments of the additional 1% increase on Step 14 will be included in the January 5, 2024 pay advice.

The January 14, 2024 salary increase will be included in the February 2, 2024 pay advice. A copy of the notice that was sent out from HRD can be found linked here for reference. 

If you have any questions on the payout schedule, please contact your HR representative. 

We would also like to thank Governor Healey for her swift action in getting the legislation signed as soon as it came across her desk.   

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July 21, 2023
Contract Ratification Results

First, we would like to thank all of our members who participated in the Contract Ratification. We received an outstanding turnout and are proud to have such high member involvement. 

Second, congratulations!

With a staggering 99.06% of the ballots voting to Approve the Proposed Successor Agreement, you have voted to ratify your 1-year successor agreement! This contract was hard fought, and we would not have been able to attain the parameters we did without the leadership of the Bargaining Team, the solidarity of the NAGE-led union coalition, or the Healey Administration.

The successor agreement MOU highlights are as follows:

• Two (2) 4% across-the-board pay increases. The first increase is effective the first full pay period in July 2023, with the second following the first full pay period in January 2024. Due to compounding effect, the increases effectively total an 8.16% pay increase by January 2024.
• Additional funding that we negotiated will go toward other economic improvements for our membership. NAGE intends to use these funds for the following:
  • $3/week per member increases to the NAGE Health and Welfare Trust Fund to enhance benefits for our members, including doubling the Dependent Care benefit and significant increases to dental benefits.
  • A additional 1% increase to those at the max step on the pay scale, effective July 2023, which means their increase will be 9.2%* by January 2024. This increase is monumental, as even if you are not currently at Step 14, you will likely benefit from this provision in the future: when you do reach Step 14, it will then be 1% higher than it otherwise would have been without this provision. Step 14 will also most likely be the Step you are at upon your retirement, and thus what it is based on.

Now that the successor agreement has been ratified by the membership, the Administration submits the contracts to the legislature for authorization and funding. 
 
The authorization language is normally passed by the legislature as part of a supplemental budget. NAGE will advocate for the legislature to move as quickly as possible to get money in our member’s pockets. However, it is likely that the next supplemental budget will not be passed before the fall.
 
Please remember that raises take effect the first pay period in July 2023, but we anticipate the money to be in your paychecks sometime this fall, which would include retroactive payments back to July.
 
We will keep you updated as any new information becomes available.
 

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July 5, 2023
MassDOT Unit A Contract Ratification Notice

The contract ratification vote for MassDOT Unit A is set to begin on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, via electronic ballot. Voting will run until 9:00AM on Friday, July 21, 2023.

I would like to thank the NAGE representatives and the Contract Negotiations Team who put forth an incredible effort to get this contract offer. 
 
This contract offer, which is the richest in the history of collective bargaining in this state, is the result of many things. First, political involvement is important: we elect our employers, and NAGE has been a longtime supporter of our current governor, Maura Healey. NAGE formed a coalition of state employee unions, led by EVP Theresa McGoldrick and Chief State Negotiator Kevin Preston, and worked hard to keep them together. The coalition asked NAGE President David Holway to be the lead negotiator and spokesperson in dealing with the new administration.
 
President Holway and the coalition leaders met with the Governor-elect and Lieutenant Governor-elect before they took office in December and outlined the financial harm done to state employees by the Baker years. After the Healey Administration took over, President Holway and the NAGE team sat down with the Secretary of Administration and Finance to hammer out a new contract. President Holway rejected the Commonwealth’s first offer and countered with what we are putting before you, which is what the Commonwealth accepted.
 
The fact that we have worked for years with Governor Healey and that she was open to free-flowing dialogue is a prime example of why political activism counts.
 
I would also like to note the fact that our coalition partners stuck together and sent a strong message that none of us would falter, further ensuring the success of this negotiation.  

In order to give you ample time to read over the successor agreement and weigh the pros and cons, we have provided it here for you. 

The successor agreement MOU highlights are as follows:

• Two (2) 4% across-the-board pay increases. The first increase is effective the first full pay period in July 2023, with the second following the first full pay period in January 2024. Due to compounding effect, the increases effectively total an 8.16% pay increase by January 2024.
• Additional funding that we negotiated will go toward other economic improvements for our membership. NAGE intends to use these funds for the following:
  • $3/week per member increases to the NAGE Health and Welfare Trust Fund to enhance benefits for our members, including doubling the Dependent Care benefit and significant increases to dental benefits.
  • A additional 1% increase to those at the max step on the pay scale, effective July 2023, which means their increase will be 9.2%* by January 2024. This increase is monumental, as even if you are not currently at Step 14, you will likely benefit from this provision in the future: when you do reach Step 14, it will then be 1% higher than it otherwise would have been without this provision. Step 14 will also most likely be the Step you are at upon your retirement, and thus what it is based on.

I want to remind everyone that execution of these increases is subject to the legislative funding process, which may slow it down. However, NAGE will keep everyone up to date on when they should receive these increases.

If you have any questions on the MOA, please contact Local President John Mann at jmann@nage.org.

*This number includes compounding.

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March 27, 2023
Action Required: GIC Annual Open Enrollment
 

The Group Insurance Commission (GIC) Open Enrollment period will begin on April 5, 2023, and end on May 3, 2023.

All plan changes must be submitted by May 3, 2023, with no exceptions.

Plan changes should be submitted through the GIC Employee Benefit Portal. Your portal is available 24/7 and includes several resources to aide you during this open enrollment period. Log into make benefit changes, view your current GIC benefits, and access the 2023-2024 Benefit Guide.
 

Log Into The Benefit Portal Here
 

 

Significant Changes for 2023-2024
 

 

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Dec 13, 2022

Baker Administration cuts RMV staffing numbers, wait times skyrocket

NAGE urges the Baker Administration to give the RMVs the attention and staffing they need. 

Have you noticed longer wait times at the RMV?

Have you been unable to get an appointment?
 
There’s a reason.
 
Over the last few years, the Baker Administration and Secretary of Transportation have decreased the number of counter employees at the RMV by at least 154 statewide. Taxpayers are understandably frustrated by the decreased access to RMV services, and employees are unable to keep up with the needs of their customers.
 
NAGE is calling on Governor Baker and Secretary Tesler to re-commit to providing the best possible services for the Commonwealth. It is time for the Administration to take action.

NAGE Local President John Mann, Local Vice President Paula Moura, and several NAGE representatives have been visiting RMV locations around the Commonwealth, to educate the public on why their wait times have gotten longer. 

 

To see more photos, click here. 

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July 18, 2022

Hazard Duty Payment and 2% Increase

 

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May 2, 2022

GIC Update - St. Vincent's Hospital

The following notice was sent out to MA State Employees who qualify for GIC Healthcare plans on April 29th. 

• If you are not an HNE member, and do not intend to enroll with HNE during GIC's Annual Enrollment period for benefits effective July 1, 2022, you may disregard this message.
• Medicare participants may also disregard this message.
• For HNE members, or those who are considering enrolling in HNE for benefits effective July 1, 2022.
• If you live outside of the Worcester area, and/or have no plans to seek medical treatment at St. Vincent’s Hospital or with its affiliated providers, no action is required.
• If you selected HNE as your medical plan based on its inclusion of St. Vincent’s Hospital within HNE's network, you will have through May 4, 2022, to select a new GIC medical plan that includes that facility.
• Please note: It is possible that St. Vincent’s Hospital in Worcester may return to the HNE network, although there is no guarantee that this will occur, nor within any specific timeframe.
• HNE will continue to include other high-quality hospital providers in the Worcester area in their network such as UMass Memorial and Reliant Medical Group.
• If you wish to update your medical plan selection, for benefits effective July 1, 2022, as a result of this new information, you must make your change with the GIC during GIC's Annual Enrollment, which runs through May 4, 2022. For more information, please visit bit.ly/GICenrollment.

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Mar 16, 2022

Update: NAGE Succeeds In Increasing Mileage Reimbursement

We are happy to announce that the Administration has responded favorably to our request to increase mileage reimbursement for NAGE members! As requested, the reimbursement has increased to 58.5 cents per mile, from the previous level of 45 cents per mile, effective March 20, 2022. NAGE is the first union to receive this agreement in the Commonwealth on behalf of our members.

NAGE would like to thank Governor Baker for his swift response to our request, to decrease the burden on our members who use their personal vehicles for work purposes. You can find the Mileage Reimbursement MOU linked below. 

Mileage Reimbursement Increase MOU

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NAGE has written to Secretary Heffernan, requesting that he authorize an increase to the mileage reimbursement for our members. NAGE is urging Secretary Heffernan to "exercise the powers granted to you by M.G.L. Chapter 30, Section 25 to authorize an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate to the Internal Revenue Service level of 58.5 cents per mile from the current level of 45 cents." 

The full letter can be found below. 

NAGE To Heffernan: Increase Mileage Reimbursement 

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Mar 4, 2022

NAGE Candidates for State Elections

The National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) has unanimously voted to endorse Attorney General Maura Healey in her campaign for Governor of Massachusetts. Read more HERE.

The National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) has unanimously voted to endorse State Senator Diana DiZoglio in her campaign for State Auditor of Massachusetts. Read more HERE.

The National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) has unanimously voted to endorse Shannon Liss-Riordan in her campaign for Attorney General of Massachusetts. Read more HERE.
 

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Feb 23, 2022

NAGE Election Survey Results

Earlier this month, NAGE surveyed all Massachusetts members on their thoughts about the upcoming elections. Thank you to the over 2,400 members who took the time to participate.

As promised, the results are linked HERE. 
 

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Dec 30, 2021

Use or Lose Time Extension

The Commonwealth has extended the Use or Lose Vacation and Personal Time deadlines for 2020 and 2021 for members of Units 1, 3, and 6. The information below details the exact dates Use or Lose Time will expire. 

HRD: Use or Lose Time Extension


3.9.21 MOU - Vacation and Personal Time "Use or Lose" Extension for  Units 1, 3, and 6

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Earlier this week, the Massachusetts State Legislature voted to extend the Emergency COVID 19 Sick Leave Program to April 1, 2022.  The program, which was created by the legislature earlier this summer, was set to expire on September 30th. 

In the wake of Governor Bakers vaccine mandate announcement, NAGE leadership advocated for the legislature to extend the program to ensure that members who needed the emergency time due to COVID would have access to it.  NAGE National President David Holway thanked the legislature for their quick action to ensure that our members can take the time they need and keep our workplaces as safe as possible. 

For more information on the COVID Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program please see the Commonwealth's page HERE.

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NEWS - Sept 2021

Congratulations to the newly re-elected
MassDOT Unit A Executive Board!

The Executive Board of MassDOT Unit A is unopposed to begin a new term of office. Congratulations to all of the members of the Board, your hard work and dedication to your fellow members has been proven time and again.

We look forward to continuing the meaningful work that MassDOT Unit A does for its members across the state!

President: John Mann
Executive Vice President: Paula Moura
Secretary/Treasurer : Donna Jackson
Vice President at Large: Pat Beaulieu
Vice President at Large: Shana Hicks
Vice President at Large: Lauren Langione
Vice President at Large: Susie McLean-Zady
Vice President at Large: Cheryl Pace-Webb
 

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NEWS
MassDOT Unit A Successor Agreement FAQ

Q: Is the 1.5% signing bonus designated as Hazardous Duty Pay?
A: No, this is not Hazardous Duty Pay; this is a one-time bonus with a minimum of $1,000 simply for reaching a contract.

Q: Are we getting Hazardous Duty Pay?     
A: Most likely, this is dependent on ongoing negotiations.

Q: If we do receive Hazardous Duty Pay, will the policy be the same as the State Executive Branch?
A: Yes.

Q: I am retiring soon. Am I still eligible for retroactive pay?
A: Yes, if you were working during the retroactive term, you are eligible. You can read more in the Retirement Board Newsletter linked HERE.

Q: What is the 0.5% PFML settlement?
A: Please see FAQs on PFML settlement linked HERE.

 

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NEWS
Contract Ratification Announcement

Dear NAGE MassDOT Unit A Member,

During a well-attended meeting at NAGE Headquarters, membership unanimously voted to approve the MassDOT Unit A Successor Agreement. Congratulations!

This contract was hard-fought, and we would not have been able to attain this win without the leadership of the Bargaining Team, or the advocacy our members put forth for themselves and through dedicated Stewards.

Please see the full Successor Agreement linked HERE.

In solidarity,


President John Mann
Executive Vice President Paula Moura
at-Large Vice President Patrick Beaulieu 
at-Large Vice President Susie McLean-Zady
at-Large Vice President Lauren Reardon
at-Large Vice President Shana Hicks
at-Large Vice President Sheryl Pace-Webb
Secretary/Treasurer Donna Jackson
Chief Steward Katherine Stacey
Chief Steward Robert Riley
Chief Steward Crystal Copeland
Chief Steward Elisabeth Williams

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August 2021
Contract Update - Ratification Notice

Dear NAGE MassDOT Unit A Member,

The contract ratification vote for MassDOT Unit A is set to begin on August 28, 2021, at 9:00 AM, via a voice vote held at NAGE headquarters.

We would like to thank the NAGE representatives and the Contract Negotiations Team who put forth an incredible effort to get this contract offer. NAGE's advocacy, and our member's advocacy for themselves, allowed us to push MassDOT to the offer that is detailed below. 

In order to give you ample time to read over the successor agreement and weigh the pros and cons, we have provided it here for you. We will also be holding two Zoom sessions prior to the voting date to address any questions or concerns; these meeting links will be sent at a later date. An FAQ will also be available to you on your local web page.

The successor agreement MOU highlights are as follows:

• 2% - including retro, to first payroll period in July 2020
• .5% - retro to the first payroll period in July 2020, in exchange for settlement of our PFMLA case Because this settlement is a raise, as opposed to a one-time payment, it is far more valuable long-term. Please see FAQs on PFML settlement linked HERE
• 1.5% one-time COVID Recognition Payment upon signing the contract with a minimum payment of $1,000*
• 2% - first payroll period in July 2021 (calculated after the 2% and the .5% increases above have been applied) 
• 2% - first payroll period in July 2022

*The 1.5% COVID Recognition Payment is calculated after the first three retroactive raises (.5% retro to July 2020 in exchange for PFMLA, 2% retro to July 2020 and 2% retro to July 2021). This is separate from the aforementioned raises and is contingent upon you being an active NAGE member on the payroll at the time the contract is signed.

If you have any questions on the MOU, please contact Local President John Mann at jmann@nage.org or Local Executive Vice President Paula Moura at pmoura@nage.org. 

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Jun 11, 2021

MA Emergency Paid Sick Leave Bill

The following memo was distributed to all Agency heads last week, regarding the Massachusetts Emergency Paid Sick Leave bill. The bill was signed into law and provides, in-part:

• the equivalent of 5 days of paid time off to full-time employees (capped at a total of $850.00) for certain COVID-related absences from work;
• notice requirements for employees seeking to use Massachusetts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave (MEPSL); and 
• documentation requirements for employers seeking reimbursement of amounts paid under MEPSL. 

The full-text PDF of the memo can be found HERE. 

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Apr 26, 2021

NAGE Members Deserve More Than Baker Is Offering

                                  
Dear NAGE Member,

Each year like clockwork, Governor Baker writes a letter to the state workforce thanking everyone for their dedicated service. This letter will look back over the sacrifices you have all made over the past year as public employees to keep the Commonwealth running efficiently during incredibly difficult times – perhaps a “thank you” has never been more in order or deserved. Governor Baker and his Budget Chief Mike Heffernan like to say, “thank you,” but they never like to show their appreciation in a real, tangible way. Stunningly, this year seems no different.

It has been nearly a year since our contracts expired, and the economic parameters that have been offered by Governor Baker are insulting. The Governor has formally set the following parameters: 1.5% bonus in year one (July 1, 2020), followed by 2% raise in year two, and a 2% raise in year three. Whether working from home or continuing to show up in a public-facing role, you have been on the front lines of this pandemic, working to keep the Commonwealth running for more than a year. Time and again, NAGE members have answered the call to continue serving the public, sometimes at great risk to yourself and your family. Governor Bakers offer is an insult to your service.

Governor Baker’s “nice guy” routine managed to captivate a majority of voters in the past. However, as the years have gone on, the polished veneer has begun to fade, and we can begin to see just how empty the fancy suit and central casting smile are. Governor Baker bills himself as a manager. It is becoming increasingly clear that he is an awful one. An administration that cannot make a decision without paying millions of dollars in fees to an outside consulting firm, only to consistently screw up one project after another - from the Registry of Motor Vehicles to the vaccine rollout. This is not the sign of an effective manager; it is the mark of an incompetent failure.

One year ago, the economic condition of the Commonwealth was admittedly tenuous. Today, growing economic evidence, supported by strong data, suggests that Massachusetts has weathered the fiscal storm and will emerge from the pandemic in a strong position to meet the challenges of tomorrow. To date, tax revenues are nearly $1.4 billion above the original benchmark. Additionally, the state is earmarked to receive $4.55 billion in federal aid alone from the American Rescue Plan. This is on top of more than $3 billion for Massachusetts cities and towns, also in the American Rescue Plan.

After leading us to believe a serious offer was forthcoming since late February, the parameters offered by the Governor are a joke.  You and your family deserve better. You deserve a boss who will have your back. I’m writing to tell you that Governor Baker does not have your back and he doesn’t care what you think about that. The recent PFML decision illustrates the Governors disregard for his workforce. Even in the face of his legal obligation to bargain, he chose to violate the law and was unanimously rebuked by his own appointees. As household income in Massachusetts rises, Governor Baker is leaving his workers behind. You deserve better, and I promise you that we will not sit silently by as the Governor offers more empty praise and continues to turn a blind eye to the needs of our members and their families.

I thank you for you service and truly appreciate everything that you have done, and continue to do every day, to make our Commonwealth strong and resilient. We will not rest until we get a contract that we can all be proud of, a contract that actually reflects the gratitude written in Governor Bakers empty letters.

In Solidarity, NEWS

GIC Employee Assistance Program

The Group Insurance Comission (GIC) is excited to share the brand new Mass4YOU video, which explains the Employee Assistance Program benefit to all GIC-eligible NAGE members.  

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• The RMV may establish a Rapid Response Unit that will service Intra-Region branches. Employees selected for said team will be used to supplement existing staff levels. Employees who are selected for said Unit will, in addition to travel reimbursement, receive a bi-weekly amount of $92.31 per pay period.

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  Current employees may opt to work a 40 hr. per week schedule, with salary and leave accruals reflective of the change.

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  Unit A employees shall have access to the NAGE Educational Trust benefit at a rate set by the Trustees.

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  Effective the 1^st full pay period in July 2018 CSR’S/TRO’S at the RMV/MRB shall receive an upgrade equal to 1 grade.
  • Example: CSR1, grade 11 shall go to CSR1, grade 12, an average of 4% bump up. The same pattern will follow all CSR titles in RMV/MASS DOT.

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  Effective July 2019:  CSR’S/TRO’s will receive another one grade increase averaging 4% increase. Steps and anniversary dates remain unchanged.

Please click here for the FULL-TEXT MOA 

 

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Executive Board

President: John Mann
A 25-year veteran Claims Adjudicator, John is well versed in unemployment law and an experienced investigation specialist. John is uniquely qualified with strong analytical and representational skills.

Executive Vice President: Paula Moura
Paula is a CSR who has worked primarily in the branch environment, making her an incredible asset when dealing with issues at the RMV Division. Her knowledge of branch protocol makes her an expert in defending our member's rights with regard to performance issues.

Secretary/Treasurer: Renee Brodeur 
Renee serves the Commonwealth as a professional Fingerprint Identification Specialist; she’s our own version of CSI.

at-Large Vice President: Patrick Beaulieu 
Employed within the Medical Security Plan, Patrick comes to us in his second career after decades as a high-level manager in international currency and business. He possesses fantastic negotiation skills.

at-Large Vice President: Shana Hicks
Since 1990, Shana has been with the Department of Public Health. In 1998, she began her service with NAGE as a steward. Her dedication to the needs of the membership and working people has led her to standouts for worker rights and other Greater Boston Labor Council and AFL-CIO sponsored events. She has served as a Vice President at Large for Local 291 and recently on NAGE’s National Advisory Committee. She has been a voice for the membership on the contract negotiating committees and does not hesitate to speak up for members.

at-Large Vice President: Donna Jackson
Donna, a longtime Department of Mental Health employee, began actively lending her skills to the SEIU/NAGE Chief Negotiator as his assistant in obtaining the best possible contracts for members. She served as the Vice President at Large for Local 291 for several terms and as a part of several contract negotiating committees. In recent years, she has served on NAGE’s National Advisory Committee.

at-Large Vice President at Large: Susie McLean-Zady
Employed at Merit Rating Board since 1985, Susie began assisting her Local informally as an employee member of the RMV/MRB Ruggles Center Safety Committee in 1994. Elected Shop Steward by her co-workers, she joined the Local 291 Executive Board. Thereafter, she served for a number of terms as Local 291 Executive Vice President and continues as a National Executive Board member and in the field representing members. She has participated in a number of contract negotiating committees. In pursuit of bettering the plight of the working man and woman, she has been involved in several union related activities including with the AFL-CIO and the Greater Boston Labor Council.

Chief Steward, West Central: Sheryl Pace-Webb 
sherylpacewebb1@aol.com