The Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists

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RESULTS OF COMMONWEALTH UNIT 9 CONTRACT RATIFICATION VOTE Wednesday, February 1, 2012

>> View Results of Commonwealth Unit 9 Contract Ratification Vote

MOSES General Membership Meeting

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Common Markets Restaurants
Willard Street
Quincy
(617) 773-9532

Dinner at 6 P.M. and meeting to follow.

Directions: From the North: Take 93 South to exit 9 (West Quincy/Bryant Ave. exit). Take 2nd left. At the 1st set of lights, The Common Market is on the corner to your left.

From the South: Take 93 North heading toward Boston and get off at exit 8 (Furnace Brook Parkway exit). Enter the next roundabout and take 1st exit onto Willard St. The Common Market is on the left 0.9 mile down on Willard Street.

From the West : Take 128 South and then get on 93 North (heading toward Boston). Get off at exit 8 (Furnace Brook Parkway exit). Enter the next roundabout and take 1st exit onto Willard St. The Common Market is on the left 0.9 mile down on Willard Street.

MOSES holds nine General Membership meetings a year at various locations around the state. All MOSES members in good standing are invited. Dinner is provided. Come to learn what’s going on with your Union, to meet old friends, or to make new ones.

All Commonwealth and MassDOT Employees should read the information regarding Open Checkbook

>> View Information regarding Open Checkbook

Senate Passes Pension Reform Legislation 24-10

On Thursday, September 15th the Senate debated and passed its pension reform bill. The Senate Bill, S. 2010 saves the Commonwealth $5 billion over 30 years by reducing pension benefits for future employees. The bill raises the minimum retirement age for Group 1 to 60 and requires workers to work two years longer (age 67) to reach the maximum benefit level.

MOSES offered two amendments to S.2010, the first, a compromise, sets the minimum retirement age at “57.” While this amendment failed, it did receive 14 “yes” votes. A second amendment reduced the amount employees contribute to their pension once they hit 30 years of service. Employees would contribute 8.5% at the 30 year mark, dropping to 6% once they reach 35 years of service. This amendment passed and will be included in the final Senate version of the bill.

“I am disappointed that the Senate passed this bill because MOSES members already contribute up to 11% of their salaries towards their pensions. As it is, we are essentially funding 110% of our pensions, S.2010 will require that new employees pay for 145% of their pensions. This bill creates two pension systems, and will make it even more difficult to attract top engineers and scientists to state service.”

We thank the 10 senators who voted against the bill: Sal DiDomenico, Ken Donnelly, Jamie Eldridge, Susan Fargo, Pat Jehlen, John Keenan, Tom McGee, James Timilty, Steve Tolman and Dan Wolf. Senator Marc Pacheco, who was not present, supported the MOSES position by “pairing” his vote with Sen. Richard T. Moore, who was absent at the time of the vote.

Thank you to the MOSES members who called and emailed their Senator. We move on to the House of Representatives where we await the release of their version of pension reform. Stay tuned!

31ST ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

John Bardzik and Patrick Russell of the Goodwill committee, conducted the 31st annual scholarship drawing at the September 13, 2011 General Membership meeting at the Hilltop Restaurant.

>> See the Scholarship Winners

MOSES MEMBERS EXCEL AGAIN

While some of the MOSES membership only saw pictures of the June 1^st tornadoes that ravaged parts of central Massachusetts, many MOSES represented agencies were involved in the actual clean up and recovery of the areas. MOSES had members from, DEP, DCR, DPH, DPS, DHCD, and MEMA, all working in various aspects of the clean-up and recovery and ensuring the citizens of the Commonwealth’s safety.

>> View the entire story

State Environmental Investigators Catch
Big Polluter

May 17, 2011

The operator of trash-to-energy facilities in three Massachusetts communities will pay a record $7.5 million fine for polluting, thanks to the relentless work of public employees at the state’s Environmental Strike Force and at the Attorney General’s office.

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the AG’s office recently announced the enforcement action against New Hampshire-based Wheelabrator for violations involving ash disposal and the release of wastewater into wetlands at facilities in Saugus, North Andover and Millbury. The settlement followed more than 21 months of inspections and investigative work by scientists and engineers of the MassDEP, AG’s investigators and members of the strike force; many belong to the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES).

“I know first-hand the amount of work that went into making this case a success,” said Joe Dorant, president of MOSES, himself a 15-year veteran of the strike force. “The people who investigated and analyzed this case are amazing public servants who do important work that protects the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

The Massachusetts Environmental Strike Force is an interagency unit, which is overseen by AG Coakley, MassDEP Commissioner Kimmell and Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard Sullivan. The Strike Force is comprised of prosecutors from the Attorney General's Office, Environmental Police Officers assigned to the Attorney General's Office, and investigators and engineers from the MassDEP, which investigate and prosecute crimes that harm or threaten the state's water, air or land and that pose a significant threat to human health.

This case was handled by Andrew Rainer, Chief of the Massachusetts Environmental Strike Force, Chris Barry-Smith, Chief of AG Coakley's Public Protection and Advocacy Bureau, Assistant Attorneys General Betsy Harper of the Environmental Protection Division and Emily Armstrong and Matthew Connolly of the Consumer Protection Division, Financial Investigator Amanda George, Officers of the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

MassDEP's Environmental Strike Force spearheaded the technical investigation for this case. That team included Strike Force Director Pamela Talbot, Strike Force investigators Timothy Dame, Dana Muldoon, Stephen Spencer and Richard Tomczyk, as well as investigators and inspectors Cathy Kiley, Jennifer Macionus, Greg Levins, John Macauley, Karen Golden-Smith, John Carrigan, Dave Adams, Ed Braczyk, Cosmo Buttaro, Muhammed Ahsan, Lynn Welsh, and Maria L'Annunziata of MassDEP's regional offices.

For more details on the case, read the coverage at the Saugus Wicked Local page.

URGENT - CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE !!

APRIL 22, 2011

MOSES Members,

As you all have heard by now, the House budget, released last week, includes dramatic cuts to DEP, DCR and the Department of Public Health. These cuts would result in an astounding number of layoffs, which would include many MOSES members.

IT IS CRUCIAL THAT MEMBERS ACT TODAY !

We must send the message that these funds need to be restored to levels that allows us to fulfill the mandates of our agencies.

We need you to call your State Representative at 617 722-2000 THIS WEEK. Urge them to support the following amendments during budget debate next week:

- For DEP (2200-0100): Amendments 226 and 566

- For DPH (4510-0100): Amendment 630 and 647

- For DCR (2810-0100): Amendment 206 and 563

Give your name and town.
Ask to speak to the Representative. If they are not available, ask to speak to a staff member.
Let them know their support of funding for DPH, DCR and DEP is important to you.

These line items must be restored to protect public health, safety and the environment.

To find your State Representative, go to www.wheredoivotema.com or www.mass.gov/legis

For additional information about the amendments MOSES is supporting and opposing during House budget debate next week, please see our fact sheet below.

Budget amendment fact sheet

Background

DEP administers many of the Commonwealth's crucial environmental monitoring and permitting processes. The proposed 17% cuts would mean that the agency would have to lay off 120 staff members, limit technical assistance to municipalities, close a regional office, limit drinking water testing and slow permitting processes for months, hampering Massachusetts' fragile economic recovery. The proposed cuts to DCR would mean that an additional 10 parks could see closures this summer and staff would be cut back considerably. Last year we saw a 30% rise in visits to State and Urban Parks, it makes no sense to cut funding when families are depending on these services for the recreation opportunities. DPH saw cuts of 25% in the House's FY2012 budget. This will amount to laying off staff, including chemists and epidemiologists responsible for monitoring and addressing infectious diseases as they arise in the Commonwealth.

PLEASE ACT TODAY !
Thanks,
Joe

2011 MOSES Golf Outing
Hampden Country Club
- THIS OUTING HAS BEEN CANCELLED -

The 2011 MOSES Golf Outing will be held Friday, June 10, 2011 at the Hampden County Club located in Hampden MA. The format will be a four person scramble. We are scheduling a 10:00 A.M. shotgun start.

>> Information and Sign-up

>> Directions

MOSES Member Hits the Airwaves!

Working Massachusetts
A Voice for Public Employees and Public Service

Have you heard the recent radio commercials on your local stations for “Working Massachusetts” highlighting the important work of public employees ? If you did you may have heard MOSES member Bill Gode from DCR explaining his incredible experience during the floods that occurred one year ago this month. To hear the Bill Gode ad click here.

MOSES is a proud member of the labor coalition Working Massachusetts. Working Massachusetts was founded on the principle that public employees play a significant role in this state and in our communities. As you know our membership has a great responsibility to protect and safeguard the citizens of Massachusetts. Bill Gode is one example of the work entrusted to us by the Commonwealth.

Radio Campaign

We are excited to announce the launch of the Working Massachusetts’ radio campaign. In the weeks ahead you can hear our coalition members on WBZ 1030 AM, WODS 103.3 FM, WMJX 106.7 FM, WROR 105.7 FM, WMKK 93.7 FM, WTKK 96.9 FM and WEEI 850 AM highlighting the work of public sector workers and the large impact they have throughout the Commonwealth. To hear all the radio spots click here.

A coalition of thousands, and growing, we build, protect, provide, care for, educate, inform, innovate, and drive Massachusetts forward.

Together, we can give the residents of the Commonwealth a view in to the special work we do. Spanning across the state, we are a unique group of men and women who perform the duties and deliver the services that are vital to building this State and our cities and towns.

With a united voice, we can spread the message of our great impact.

For more information on our coalition, go to www.workingmass.org.

MOSES Members Rally In
Support of Wisconsin Workers

Well over 2,000 workers gathered in front of the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, February 22 to rally in support of Wisconsin public workers who have been staging massive protests in response to Governor Scott Walker's attempt to strip collective bargaining rights from public employees. Many MOSES members attended and held signs on the crowded streets at the base of the State House and also at a rally held in Springfield. Thank you to all that attended the rally in support of our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin.

> Click to hear Governor Patrick’s speech

All MOSES members should know that what is happening in Wisconsin is much more than the Wisconsin Governor’s attempt to reduce the benefits of state employees. It is an attempt to destroy the unions. Take time to listen to the prank telephone conversation where Governor Walker thinks he is talking to billionaire David Koch. In reality he has been duped into talking to an editor of an on-line newspaper.

> Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Phone Conversation

ATTENTION MASSDOT MEMBERSHIP

FEBRUARY 23, 2011

The following was sent from President Dorant on February 17, 2011 via Constant Contact to the MassDOT members.

MOSES MassDOT Members,

After inquiries from MOSES, MassDOT's Payroll Unit has notified us of the following in regards to the implementation of Step 13.

"The step 13 for Unit E is going to run this pay period, begin date 2/13/11, the new salary will reflect in check dated 3/4/11. The retro will follow in check dated 3/18/11."

Nancy J. Christo
MassDOT Payroll Unit

Brown bags have been scheduled in all the Districts to explain the impacts of the MLIA on our members. Important issues that will be discussed are; pay parity, the classification study and next steps. VP Marie Cunningham, Attorney Jim McDonagh and I will be available to answer questions of the members. Most of the rooms have been scheduled from 11:00am to 1:00pm; the plan is to have a short presentation at 12:00noon and leave the time before and after for individual question. Please make every effort to attend !

Brown Bags are scheduled for the following districts:

February 22, 2011 in District 3 from 11-1 lower conference room

February 25, 2011 in District 1 from 11-1

February 28, 2011 in District 4 from 11-1

March 2, 2011 in District 2 from 11-1

March 7, 2011 in District 5 from 12-2 in training room 2

Many of our members have been asked to sign FORM 30's or will be asked in the future. Form 30's are supposed to reflect what people actually do. If yours does not, add comments that reflect those duties. If you have signed off on a Form 30 which does not accurately reflect what you do, send an attachment with those duties and keep copies of everything. This is very important.

Thank You !
Joe

MOSES SEEKS MEMBERS SUPPORT FOR H-261

FEBRUARY 2, 2011

As part of the recently signed Master Labor Integration Agreement with MassDOT the Union Coalition agreed to support legislation that would amend the Transportation Reform Bill, Chapter 25 of the Acts of 2009. A summary of the bill is as follows:

The proposed law is the result of collaborative discussions between labor organizations and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Chapter 25 of the Acts of 2009, the so-called Transportation Reform Law merged all the state transportation agencies under MassDOT. This merger resulted in numerous labor issues relating to job titles, compensation, responsibilities as well as a myriad of other issues that had to be negotiated between labor representatives and MassDOT. The proposed legislation recognizes and validates the master labor integration agreement (MLIA) that has been negotiated between all the major labor organizations and MassDOT.

Please contact your legislator to support this important piece of legislation.

To read the text of the bill Click Here.

Thanks!
Joe

JANUARY 21, 2011

MOSES OPPOSES THE GOVERNOR'S PENSION REFORM LEGISLATION

MOSES Members,

On Tuesday January 18, 2011 the Governor filed legislation that would drastically reduce the retirement benefits for new public employees hired after July 1, 2011. MOSES, along with other public employee unions, was asked to endorse the Governor’s Pension Reform Legislation. The plan presented by the Governor earlier this week DOES NOT have the support of MOSES but in hopes of having an acceptable reform package we will continue to work with the administration on our differences. Even though the Governor’s reforms only applies to NEW employees hired after July 1^st 2011, there remains an unfairness to the new long term career employee who would end up paying more than 100% of the cost of their own pension while the person who is hired at age 55 and works until 67 will be paying less than 50 % of their pension. We will work with the legislature and the Secretary of A&F to try to correct this unfairness. Other unions have agreed to support the Governor’s legislation but we at MOSES feel that the inequities in the current system and the new bill must be addressed. Pension reform is a priority of the Governor and leaders of the House and Senate during this legislative session.

>> Click here to see the letter I sent to Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez, with copies to Governor Patrick, Senate President Murray and Speaker of the House DeLeo.

>> Click here to read a copy of the Governor’s bill.

Have a good weekend and stay out of the cold.

MOSES has Reached an Agreement with MassDOT

December 29, 2010

On December 28, 2010 MOSES signed an agreement with MassDOT and the union coalition that represents all of the employees at MassDOT, including the employees coming from the former Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. The November 2009 transportation merger created enormous complexities within the newly integrated workforce. After approximately 100 meetings, an agreement was reached that protects the interests of the MOSES members at MassDOT, and begins the process of obtaining pay parity within MassDOT for those who are doing similar work. Throughout these negotiations MOSES stood by a simple principle, that workers doing the same job should receive the same pay. MOSES refused to sign an agreement that did not represent a significant step toward ultimate pay parity and improved working conditions.

The agreement provides for: An added salary step, i.e. Step 13, to be initially funded with the approximately $1 million in “seed money”. Those currently in step 12 for 12 months will receive Step 13 effective January 1, 2011.
A reclassification study, to be completed within sixty days, that will be used to determine proper job classification based on similar work performed.
A joint labor-management classification pool established to address continuing pay equity issues and worker retraining initiatives. Monies for this provision will come from operational savings determined by the committee.
An individual reclassification procedure with final and binding arbitration. The results of the study, rather than outdated job specifications, will be the primary basis for adjudication.
Relocation limitations for non-inspection related duties.
Improved language limiting contracting out.

MOSES will be scheduling brown bag discussions regarding this agreement at each district in the near future. We encourage you to attend to ask any questions or learn more about what we believe is a significant step. We look forward to working with fellow labor organizations, the DOT and you in building on this agreement to ensure a successful future.

Joe

MASSDOT UPDATE

December 20, 2010

On December 13, 2010 I sent the following letter to Secretary of Transportation Jeff Mullan.

The letter is self explanatory and I hope it has an impact in getting the talks going again and in getting the Master Labor Integration Agreement signed.

>> Click here to read the letter

As my letter indicates there is a great deal of frustration within the organization and the membership but a whole lot of work has gone into getting MOSES and MassDOT to be in agreement and to hopefully sign this historic document.

I know there are lots of rumors floating out there but this is where we are at the moment.

Please continue to be productive and continue to provide the services that are depended upon by the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Thank you for your patience and Happy Holidays !

Joe

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Especially Worcester Area

STEM AMBASSADORS NEEDED in the Worcester
area for the "DIGITS" PROGRAM

MOSES is again seeking volunteers for a program to increase middle school student interest in science, technology, engineering and math. (STEM)

MOSES, as representatives of the science and engineering employees of the Commonwealth and MWRA has been involved in the program and is again seeking volunteers (ambassadors) for this important program. This is an opportunity to promote public service and to highlight the professional employees of the Commonwealth and MWRA.

To learn more about the DIGITS program click here.

Six Massachusetts technology associations piloted a program last June and found that the information provided to the students had a positive impact on the student's perceptions of science, technology, engineering and math. The MOSES volunteers that participated in the program last year truly enjoyed their experience.

Click here to read about Tim Dame's (DEP) comments.

If you are interested, just click onto www.digits.us.com and sign up to give something back.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this plea.

PATRICK/MURRAY

ENDORSED BY MOSES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At the October 12^th Board of Directors meeting the Legislative Committee made a recommendation to endorse Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray for the upcoming gubernatorial election. The Board of Directors voted 24 to 3 to accept the recommendation and endorse the Patrick/Murray team.

While, we have not always agreed with the present administration we both agree on the important role that government must play to provide services to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Governor Patrick was told of the endorsement when he attended the evening meeting. He spoke of the good that state employees do and how in these challenging times Massachusetts is recovering more quickly than other states.

We strongly urge the MOSES membership and their families to vote for the Patrick/Murray team on November 2nd. It is also very important that you volunteer for the campaign in the final weeks, WE NEED YOU, please call the MOSES office at 617-367-2727 to help on the campaign.

THE CHOICE IS CLEAR ! Patrick/Murray

MOSES MEMBERS:

In our efforts to show our union members the very clear choice they have in this gubernatorial election the AFL-CIO has edited a series of videos that we encourage every MOSES member, as well as family and friends, to take 20 minutes of your time to watch. I am also asking you to distribute the sites on your personal emails to your neighbors, family and friends between now and the election.

There are two videos that total about 20 minutes between them: one showing how inconsistent Charlie Baker is in his views and treatment of unions; and one of remarks Governor Patrick made at the AFL-CIO Convention and restated at the MOSES General Membership meeting on October 12^th.
Please pay special attention to minutes 7 thru 10 on the Part II video where the Governor mentions the important work done by state workers. He is talking about MOSES members.

You can post these on your Facebook page if you have one. Please find the time to watch them and to share them widely.

Click to view Values and Choices Part I

Click to view Values and Choices Part II

**ATTENTION MEMBERS**
**CLICK to see the 30th Annual Scholarship Winners**

B. Marie Cunningham and Alex Smigliani of the Publicity/Public Relations committee, conducted the 30th annual scholarship drawing at the September 14, 2010 General Membership meeting @ the Hilltop Restaurant.

>> Click to see the Scholarship Winners

JULY 30, 2010

VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT/ LAYOFF INCENTIVE

Dear MOSES Commonwealth Members,

MOSES has recently signed agreements with the Office of Employee Relations, to allow for voluntary lay-offs and a cash incentive retirement. These Master Agreements gives the Commonwealth agencies the opportunity to offer to MOSES members participation in these programs. (These programs do not involve MOSES members at MWRA or MassDOT.)

Most of the Commonwealth agencies will be offering the voluntary retirement/lay-off incentives in hopes of avoiding lay-offs. Please read the agreements for the specifics and please pay particular attention to the dates that the agreements cover.

>> Click Here to read the agreement

JULY 28, 2010

MassDOT Furlough Information

Dear MOSES MassDOT member,

Last Friday, MOSES was informed by MassDOT HRD/OER that MassDOT would begin implementation of the 3.6 days of furlough beginning with the August 14th pay advice and ending in December. By beginning the deductions at this time it gives the employee 9 pay periods to meet their obligation instead of the 5 pay periods offered to Commonwealth employees. Although neither plan, made or makes the burden put on the public sector employees truly acceptable, the MOSES membership agreed to the concession package in exchange for the funding of our current contract and for reimbursement of increased health insurance co-pays and deductibles.

MOSES had questions and concerns as to the use of the furlough time by the 31st of December and did get MassDOT to extend the use of the "furlough time" comp time until June 30th of 2011. MassDOT employees who would like to choose the No Work No Pay option must contact their Human Resources Department to make the request.

The taking of these furlough days should not come as a surprise to anyone. I had stressed to the board of directors and the membership that MassDOT was simply delaying the taking of these 3.6 days to accommodate the Secretary of Transportation and the needs of MassDOT.

Joe

JULY 6, 2010

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MOSES MEMBERS!

Dear MOSES member:

On July 23rd your pay advice will finally include the 1% salary rate increase as well as the retroactive amount due from June 30, 2010 through July 3, 2010. This increase was negotiated in the last collective bargaining contract and delayed by the membership when the majority of the membership voted for the concession package that included furloughs. If you have any questions or feel that there has been a mistake made with your check, you should contact your human resources department.

In addition to the 1% increase your pay advice will also reflect the reimbursement of the increases in the GIC health insurance co-pays and deductibles that went into effect February 1st . I have been told that these reimbursements will be paid quarterly and will appear in your check under the category of “HC Increm”. This program will continue through June 30, 2011.

The third item to look for in the July23rd pay advice will be the additional personal time added if you chose to work your furlough days. Remember, this time that must be used by December 31st.

Below are the Unit 9 State Job Group Index and the Unit 9 Bi-weekly State Salary Schedule through June 2012..

>> Unit 9 State Job Group Index

>> Unit 9 Bi-weekly State Salary Schedule

APRIL 29, 2010

HEALTH INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION

As you know, on 11/20/09 the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) approved cost increases to our health benefits which were implemented on 2/1/10. On 2/11/10 bargaining unit 9 members ratified an agreement amending our 2009-2012 Collective Bargaining Agreement to require (in part) that the Commonwealth reimburse us for the increases in co-pays and deductibles that we would suffer in fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

The Commonwealth is in the process of setting up how employees will be reimbursed. At present, the plan is as follows:

Eligibility:

To receive reimbursement, an employee must:

- be an employee of an agency under the control of the governor;
- be a member of unit 9;
- have coverage through GIC

Length of Program:

Between 2/1/10 and 6/30/11

Basis of Reimbursement:

You will receive reimbursement for the incremental out-of-pocket cost you experience as a result of co-pay increases and new deductibles. Ex: prior to 2/1/10 you paid a $15 co-pay for a doctor visit and now you pay $20; you will be reimbursed $5.

What do you need to do:

Nothing. The reimbursement will automatically be included in your check on a quarterly basis beginning July of 2010. It will be identified as “H.C. Increment”.

NOTE: MOSES strongly advises all employees to keep records of their expenditures in case a problem or dispute arises.

Why quarterly ?:

Medical billing usually has a 6 week processing time format he date the medical service is provided. There may be delays depending on when your health care provider submits your claim.

Is the Reimbursement Taxable?:

No. However, those who participate in the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) program must make sure that you do not take the incremental reimbursement from the HCSA account. If you do the reimbursement from GIC will be taxable.

What to do if you expected a Reimbursement and didn’t get :

1) Contact your provider to ensure that your claim was submitted.

2) Get documentation from your Health Plan.

3) Contact the Commonwealth’s Human Resources Division (HRD) hotline at 617.878.9835 which will be operational 7/6/10.

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