January 2012
Right to Work Doesn’t Help the Economy
University of Oregon Professor Gordon Lafer has conducted a study about the effects of so-called “Right to Work” laws on the economy. His findings totally refute the claims that Right to Work promotes job creation or helps the economy.
State Employee Retirement Questions
There is great confusion about the statement sent to Defined Contribution employees regarding the 80% maximum for healthcare coverage. The new law did not change the fact that DC employees earn 3% of their healthcare premium per year up to 90%. The Office of Retirement Services may be looking into the future and assuming that retirees will have their premiums changed to 80/20 based upon the new State Health Plan premium for active employees changing to 80/20 on October 1, 2012. Please attend the meetings that are being held around the state and ask your questions to Retirement. https://dmbinternet.state.mi.us/dmb/ors/Seminars/prim/SeminarDates.asp?Cmd=date&Region=9&System=1. At this point, there are no solid answers and the current law stands at 90% coverage.
State Employee Retirement Changes FAQ
Here are Frequently Asked Questions put together by the Office of Retirement Services concerning the changes in the retirement systems for state employees.
New Executive Board Members Sworn In
At the January 20, 2012 meeting of the SEIU Local 517M Executive Board three new members were sworn in. The new members include John Eck from the state Technical bargaining unit, Jan Goodwin from Wayland Schools in Region 2 and Jeff Michalik from Taylor Schools in Region 3. They were sworn in by SEIU Local 517M President Bill Ruhf.
L-R: President Bill Ruhf, Jan Goodwin, John Eck, and Jeff Michalik
Chapter 17 and 21 Combined Meeting
Chapter 17 members RSVP to Ron Smedley at smedleyr@michigan.gov.
Chapter 21 members RSVP to Steve Blayer at blayers@michigan.gov.
Agenda Items Include:
- New Contract
- Anti-worker Legislation
- State Budget
- New Solutions Campaign
- Retirement Changes
- Q and A
Chapter 11 and 13 Combined Meeting
Meeting Scheduled For Wednesday, February 8, 2012
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
At the Transportation Building, Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes Conference Rooms, First Floor
Guerrazzi Sandwich Lunch Compliments of SEIU. Chapter 13 members RSVP to Leo Arens at 335-2987 /Chapter 11 members RSVP to Therese Kline 241-0082 by Friday, February 3, 2012.
Agenda Items Include:
- New Contract
- Anti-Worker Legislation
- State Budget
- New Solutions Campaign
- Retirement Changes
- Q and A
If this chapter is not convenient for you, please contact the Union office and we will be happy to assign you to a different chapter.
New Solutions for Michigan
Facebook: SEIU Local 517M Twitter: @SEIU517M
Overtime Calculation Resources and FAQ from the Office of Retirement Services
Public Act 264 of 2011 changes the way the final average compensation will be calculated for state employees who have overtime in an FAC period after January 1, 2012. The Office of Retirement Services has developed various new educational materials about overtime and have posted them on the ORS website. We have given you links to these resources here:
- Your FAC and Overtime Calculation. A 10-minute tutorial about overtime will give an overview of the changes to the rules and demonstrate how the calculation will be done.
- Overtime and Your Pension. A printable, two-page handout explains the overtime rules, with examples.
- Impact on Overtime and Your FAC. See our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common questions about the new overtime rules.
- Frequently Asked Questions concerning retirement.
Please visit these new resources for answers to your retirement questions about overtime!
Examples of State Retirement Overtime Calculation
With HB 4701 and 4702 becoming law there have been many questions concerning the impact on individual members’ retirement plans. The Office of State Retirement working with the Governor and Legislators have developed some examples on how the overtime calculation will be determined under the new system. As always, speak with the Office of State Retirement concerning your individual retirement circumstances.
Senate Fiscal Agency prepared examples
SEIU Local 517M Annual Meeting
Schedule to be announced.
An Executive Board meeting will take place sometime during the conference.