I get along fine with my boss, so why do I need MAGE? 

    Administrators come and go in state government.  It's no secret that there will be changes in departmental leadership, goals and direction, not to mention drastic budget cuts and layoffs.  The circumstances surrounding your current employment may change drastically at any time. You need   MAGE to protect your rights!

   We offer more than just representation in grievances and classification changes.  We keep you up-to-date on changes in Civil Service, departmental policies, procedures, legislation the budget and other matters of vital concern.  We represent your views in meetings with Departments, Civil Service, the Office of the State Employer and the Retirement Board.    

The State Employer already represents my interests, so why do I need MAGE to speak for me?

   Although relationships with the Office of the State Employer (OSE) have improved in recent years, we still need to be careful that our rights are protected.

   Was the OSE representing your interests when it rewarded bargaining unit workers with benefits still denied to excluded and non-exclusively represented employees?

How can I belong to MAGE without anyone knowing?

   If you are concerned that knowledge of your MAGE membership might prove a problem, you may elect to pay your dues directly rather than going through your department's payroll deduction.  

If MAGE can't negotiate a contract with the state, doesn't that mean it has no real power?

   Absolutely not.  There are a number of things MAGE can do to make a difference.  Civil Service rules provide MAGE with meet and confer rights in every department.  MAGE  represents members in  grievances, classification appeals and unfair labor practice meetings.  MAGE monitors and seeks changes in Civil Service Rules, policies and procedures, and we represent employees in the Coordinated Compensation Process.  

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   We're sure you can, but just take a minute to consider the competition.   Department Labor Representatives argue grievances day-in and day-out.  Can you match their knowledge of case history, departmental policies and case presentation?

   Don't forget that Civil Service Classification Analysts were the architects and implementers of the state's Benchmark Classification System.  Their experience and training in the system stacks the odds in their favor in a classification appeal.  MAGE's professional Labor Relations Staff has the full-time knowledge, know-how and commitment to argue your case against these formidable opponents. 

   Like other professionals, non-exclusively represented employees (NEREs) need the strength and expertise of an organization working full-time on their behalf.  MAGE is that organization

    But- and this is important - you must be a MAGE member before a grievance or classification appeal occurs to qualify for MAGE's representation services.

Won't joining MAGE hurt my chances for promotion?

   Actually, joining MAGE may help because we will aggressively stand behind you if you are involved in a dispute over candidate selection.   MAGE has also negotiated agency policies enhancing excluded employee promotional opportunities by requiring that job vacancies be posted, and won several grievances on this very issue. 

    Your right to join MAGE is protected by Civil Service's Employee Relations Policy.  That policy prohibits management from interfering with, restraining or coercing employees exercising their right to belong to MAGE, and prohibits discrimination against employees choosing to be represented by MAGE.

My boss already belongs to MAGE, so how could I get fair representation?

   Filing a grievance is an action taken against an act of management, not an individual per se.   MAGE will always act on a member's grievance, not matter whom it is directed against.

My boss doesn't belong to MAGE, so why should I?

   Let's put it this way - just because he or she doesn't realize the importance of MAGE membership, that doesn't mean you should go along with that view!