Unit 1 Contracts

NAGE Unit 1 Successor Agreement MOU 2023 - 2024
NAGE Unit 1 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Effective 7/1/2020 - 6/30/2023

Unit 1 Salary Charts

Unit 1 Links

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December 2023


 

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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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Jul 07, 2023

Executive Branch Contract Funding Information

We have received a number of questions about the 1-year successor agreement that was ratified just a few weeks ago. We want to make sure that all of our members understand the funding timeline that comes after ratification. 

Now that the successor contract 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. While we do not know the timeline for the next supplemental budget yet, 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.
 

 

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June 2, 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 98.42% 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 July 2023, with the second following 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.
  • For any member making under $50,000.00, minimum $2,000 raises for both the July ‘23 and January ‘24 raises, respectively.
  • A 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.

The Administration will now be filing a supplemental budget for funds to be appropriated by the legislature for the successor agreement. We will keep you updated as any new information becomes available. 
 

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May 19, 2023
Successor Agreement Contract Ratification

The contract ratification vote for the Executive Branch is set to begin on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, via electronic ballot. Voting will run until Friday, June 2 at 9:00AM. If you do not receive a ballot by 12noon on May 24th, please reach out to Kelly Warner via email at kwarner@nage.org. 


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 July 2023, with the second following 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.
  • For any member making under $50,000.00, minimum $2,000 raises for both the July ‘23 and January ‘24 raises, respectively.
  • A 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 your Local President. 

*This number includes compounding.

Successor Agreement MOA can be found here. 

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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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Feb 3, 2023
Training and Career Ladder Program FY2023

The schedule for the FY23 Training and Career Ladder program has been released. HRD will continually update members with with updated scheduled and offerings via email. Please find the full details here. 
 

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Aug 22, 2022 Having Trouble Emailing NAGE?NAGE has been notified by several of our State members that their emails have bounced back or have been delivered days after sending. Two examples of error messages can be found below.

NAGE's IT department has looked into all possible solutions, and unfortunately, the issue is on the State side.  We are working to fix the issue with the State as soon as possible. In the meantime, please reach out to NAGE via phone or email with your personal email address. A list of frequently used phone numbers are also below.





NAGE Member Action Center (MAC): 617-376-7227
Health & Welfare Office: 617-376-7260
NAGE Headquarters Main Line: 617-376-0220 

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May 13, 2022

Updated Use or Lose Deadlines - Executive Branch

The following message from HRD details the updated Use or Lose deadlines for the Executive Branch.   

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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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NEWS 2021 Successor Agreement FAQ Q: When will we see our raises reflected in our pay? A: The Administration will now be filing a supplemental budget for funds to be appropriated by the legislature for the successor agreement. We anticipate that you will see the 1.5% COVID Recognition Payment, the 2% retro to 7/2021, the 2% retro to 7/2020, and the .5% PFMLA retro to 7/2020 reflected in your paycheck in late Fall. 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: NAGE has reached an Agreement on Pandemic-Related Hazard Pay; please see the MOU linked HERE. 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 - Sept 2021

Congratulations to the newly re-elected
Unit 1 Executive Board!

The Executive Board of Unit 1 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 Unit 1 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

NEWS Contract Update - Ratification Results Dear NAGE Executive Branch Member, 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 97.90% of the ballots voting to Approve the Proposed Successor Agreement, you have voted to ratify your next contract! 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 or the advocacy our members put forth for themselves. The successor agreement MOU highlights are as follows: 2% - including retro, to first payroll period in July 2020 .5% - retro to 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 employee on payroll at the time the contract was signed. The Administration will now be filing a supplemental budget for funds to be appropriated by the legislature for the successor agreement. We anticipate that you will see the 1.5% COVID Recognition Payment, the 2% retro to 7/2021, the 2% retro to 7/2020 and the .5% PFMLA retro to 7/2020 reflected in your paycheck in late Fall. We will keep you updated as any new information becomes available.  July 2021 NAGE MOU Executive Branch Successor Agreement

 

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NEWS

Executive Branch - Hazard Pay MOU 

We are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with the Commonwealth on Hazard Pay for members of Units 1, 3 and 6. You will find the full-text MOU below.

Thank you to the NAGE negotiations team, and our members who continuously advocated for themselves, for their work in getting this MOU. We are proud of the work our NAGE members have done during the pandemic, and continue to do every day.

The Hazard Pay MOU contains the following:

• Full-time employees directed to report to work in person during November 2, 2020 to May 29, 2021, who were not afforded the option of working remotely, shall receive a one time COVID-19 Hazardous Duty payment of $2,000. 
• Part-time or hybrid employees directed to report to work in person during November 2, 2020 to May 29, 2021 to provide direct care, public facing, public safety, cleaning and/or maintenance services shall receive a one time COVID-19 Hazardous Duty payment of $1,000. 

Please reach out to your Local President with any question regarding the Hazard Pay MOU. We will continue to keep you informed on our Telework negotiations, as the matter is being bargained separately. 

Hazard Pay MOU July 2021

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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: a 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,

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