Unit 6 Contracts

Unit 6 Salary Charts

Unit 6 Links

Local President Chris Cook speaks at the November 2023 Rally for Raises at the State House! Check out his remarks here. 

The NAGE Minute: Local 282 President Chris Cook speaks about the fight for telework!

 

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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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November 20, 2023

 

Rally for Raises - November 2023

 

I attended a rally at the State House today regarding our raises. Unionized state employees including, but not limited to, NAGE, AFSCME, MOSES, SEIU 509, SEIU Local 888, the Teamsters, Mass Teachers, and several other unions brought together a huge number of members who gave up a vacation or personal day to attend. There was not a single union that did not have members present. We, of course, are Executive Branch employees but members from the Judicial branch, university and community college teachers, as well as unionized employees from various commissions were also there.
 
We began the day by filling the gallery at the House of Representatives to make our presence known. We ended the day with a rally on the steps of the State House. We were joined by several State Representatives. One speaker estimated that a total of 50,000 union members are impacted by the delay in contract funding. That’s 50,000 voters (plus spouses, partners, and family members) who will remember this delay the next time our Representatives and Senators ask for our vote. Members and officers from some of the unions, including myself, were asked to speak. I have attached a link for your reference: see remarks here. 
 
Given that the Legislature voted to approve the many union contracts in July, why are the contracts still unfunded? The answer is both simple and infuriating: inertia in the Legislature. Each body has a different version of the supplemental budget. Both versions contain complete funding for both our July and January raises, however, until the two versions are reconciled nothing will be sent to Governor Healey for her signature.
 
I was present at a meeting several weeks ago at which the Governor restated that she would sign the final bill without delay. All the members of all of the unions, not just our own, voted on time to ratify their contracts. In other words, collectively, you and I and all union members have done our job regarding the contracts, and did so without delay. The delay lies squarely with the Legislature.
 
As you may know, the Legislature is in recess. However, the supplemental budget can still be passed through an ongoing informal session. All of the unions, standing together, will continue to work with the leadership of both the House and Senate. Many of us have contacted their Senator and State Representative to complain about delay. If you have not already done so, I urge you to write or call. Please remember that you cannot do this during hours you are paid by the Commonwealth. Also, it is important to remember not to use the Commonwealth’s email system for political purposes.
 
As many of us remember, we have had delays like this in the past and we always get paid. We had been assured by legislative leadership that we would not experience delays this time but obviously, they did not keep promises made. It is vital that we continue to work together to remind our Senators and representatives that we are watching and we will be voting.
 
Finally, I repeat that our raises are not in jeopardy. While non-unionized management does not have a contractual right to their raises, the Commonwealth is legally bound to pay us.
 
I will continue to keep you posted.
 
In solidarity,
 
Chris Cook

 

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Sept 26, 2023

NAGE and the elected members of the NAGE Contract Negotiations Team resume bargaining sessions with the Commonwealth tomorrow, September 26th. We are excited to get back to the table with the Healey Administration, and work towards getting you the best contract possible. 

As you know, we conducted a pre-bargaining survey in 2021, prior to bargaining over your current 1-year contract. We will be surveying members again in the coming weeks, to determine if priorities have shifted or members are looking to bargain for different improvements. 

We will be sending this survey to your personal emails, as we are not held to such strict content and send-time standards that we are with your work emails. Our membership service provider will be reaching out, asking that you update your contact information. Some of you may have already received the email! Please take a moment to do so, so that you can participate in the survey. 
 

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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.
 

We will keep you updated as any new information becomes available.  

 

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June 2, 2023

• 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.

• 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.

• 3/14/23 at 10AM
• 3/16/23 at 12:00noon.

• 3/21/23 at 5:00PM
• 3/23/23 at 8:30AM
• 3/31/23 at 12:30PM

1. James (Jesse) Clingan
2. Carlos A. Diaz

1. You are now free to refuse to answer any questions which require you to disclose any demographic information including, but not limited to, your sexual preference, gender identity, ethnic background or other personal information.
2. If you exercise your right not to answer, COE will not draw any adverse inference from your refusal.
3. None of this prevents you from choosing to self-identify personal information. NAGE takes no position on what you may choose to disclose. The key is that the choice to answer is now yours. You cannot be mandated to answer. You will suffer no consequence if you choose not to answer.

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 

• 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.

 Thank you,

Group Insurance Commission

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March 30, 2022
Executive Branch 2022 Training And Career Ladder Program - Update! 

Dear NAGE Member,
 
As you know, NAGE has negotiated the resources through the Training and Career Ladder program for our members. 

Please visit the Training and Career Ladder website for a full list of the programs and courses offered to NAGE members. 

If your selected courses take place during work hours, please communicate with your supervisor and ensure approval prior to registering for or attending courses. Agencies may approve or decline requests based on their operational needs.

 

For more information, click HERE.

 

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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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Feb 28, 2022

Career and Training Ladder Reimbursement FY22

Dear NAGE Member:
 
This is a reminder that through the Training and Careers Ladders program, reimbursement is offered to NAGE members for licenses and certifications that they are required to hold as a condition of employment (excluding basic driver’s license). Employees will be reimbursed the full cost of all required licenses and certifications paid for between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.
 
Below please find a Training and Education Reimbursement Request Form that must be completed by any NAGE member who wishes to be reimbursed for licenses or certifications that they are required to have for their job. This form must be submitted to your Human Resources Office by May 27, 2022 for timely processing (Tracking Code BAF). June 2022 renewals must be submitted by June 23, 2022.
 
In addition to reimbursement for required licenses, we may also have funds available for reimbursement for renewal of licenses and certifications that are not required. The dollar amount of the reimbursement that members will receive for each non-required license or certificate, coursework to support license and certification, and the number of licenses and certificate that will be reimbursed to each member will be determined based upon the number of members who request reimbursement.  However, the amount paid to each eligible employee will not exceed the actual cost of the license, certification, or course.
 
Please read the information on the enclosed form and provide all documentation requested.  Failure to provide the needed information may result in your request for reimbursement being denied.
 
In order to be considered all requests for reimbursement must be received by your Human Resources Office by May 27, 2022 with June 2022 renewals no later than June 23, 2022.
 
 
If you have any questions relating to the reimbursement program, please call:
 
Leo Munroe, National Vice President at (617) 376-0220
Or
Kristen Schow, HRD Office of Employee Relations at (617) 878-9793

FY22 TCL Reimbursement Form

PDF of the letter above

NAGE Local 282 President Chris Cook joined Kathy Curran via Zoom to discuss the ongoing Harmony Montgomery investigation. Please see the news clip below.

• Continued benefit of hybrid telework for members who are able and would like to perform duties remotely,
• The right for individuals members to appeal if telework has been fully revoked and the member has returned to office full time,
• Continued TTFWP for flexibility of time during telework,
• Agencies to establish reimbursement policies incurred while teleworking.

• 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. 

• 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.