The Michigan Association of Governmental Employees (MAGE) was founded in December of 1980 to protect the rights and promote the interests of classified State of Michigan Employees in non-exclusively represented (NERE) positions.  

We are an organization designed to serve those employees who are excluded from collective bargaining rights under the state's Employee Relations Policy.  MAGE is affiliated with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) as local 2002.

Our policies are formulated at General Council meetings attended by delegates elected from  districts throughout the state.   Delegates vote on resolutions submitted by members or committees, and elect the Board.   MAGE is divided into Districts for representation purposes, each administered by a District Director and Deputy Director elected by their district delegates to the General Council.  The Executive Committee is elected by all General Council delegates.  That committee, together with the District Directors makes up the Board of Directors which is responsible for managing the affairs of MAGE in between sessions of the General Council.

In June of 1982 MAGE won meeting rights with departments for the first time.  Since then, we have used those rights to protect employees adversely affected by departmental reorganizations, to guarantee equal promotional opportunities, and to protest staffing shortages and adverse working conditions.

MAGE - Bigger, Better, Stronger Than Ever

In  September 2004 MAGE successfully culminated an agreement which will transferred of all State of Michigan employee members of OPEIU Local 512 to MAGE OPEIU Local 2002.   MAGE Local 2002 President Dale Threehouse and Labor Relations Director John DeTizio met for two days with 512 officers, John Strachan and Aaron Sanders in the office of OPEIU President Michael Goodwin (pictured below) to work out the details of the agreement. President Goodwin said, "I am very pleased that the local unions were able to reach this historic agreement. A single local union representing public employees in Michigan will accelerate our organizing success. I look forward to working to grow the union."

Front Row L-R - John Strachan, Michael Goodwin, Dale Threehouse, Y'von Forehand
Back Row L- R - Aaron Sanders, John DeTizio, Michael Hosey

Quality Representation The MAGE Labor Relations Professionals are based in the Lansing office, but represent members state-wide.  Members are represented at investigatory conferences, disciplinary conferences and all levels of grievance conferences, including mediation.   When approved by the Board of Directors, lawsuits may be filed on behalf of members when appropriate.   Lobbying Services Capitol Services, a highly respected lobbying firm provides MAGE with a voice in the legislature.  They are busy watch-dogs, constantly analyzing and reporting the actions of the House and the Senate as well as those pesky Executive Orders passed down by our illustrious governor.     Legal Services Fraser, Trebilcock, Davis & Dunlop, P.C. is the law firm primarily retained to handle MAGE lawsuits.   Attorneys Michael Cavanaugh and Brandon Zuk of the Fraser firm have litigated for MAGE with passion since MAGE was formed.    Committee Services MAGE committees are selected by the MAGE President and are comprised of your fellow MAGE members.  These committees recommend courses of action on various issues to the MAGE Board of Directors.        Want to join now?  Click here to go to the application for membership.