Oct 03, 2019

PFMLA Tax Update

Beginning with paychecks received this week, the Baker administration has imposed a new fee of 38 cents ($0.38) for every one hundred dollars ($100) of gross wages earned by Executive Branch employees.  The Baker administration took this action even though we are still in negotiations with them over this question and other matters involved in the implementation of the new Paid Family and Medical Leave Act.  They have also required other political subdivisions over which they do not have legal control to take the same action. They have taken this action over the protests of NAGE and the other Unions representing Executive Branch employees.
 
By unilaterally implementing this new fee, the administration is committing a Prohibited Practice under Chapter 150E of the General Laws. 
 
NAGE will be filing charges with the Department of Labor Relations within the next few days.  If successful, we will be seeking an order to cease and desist from making these payroll deductions, reimburse employees fully for any sums deducted, and a posting signed by the administration acknowledging that they have broken the law and their agreement to cease such conduct.
 
The charges will be filed for the following Bargaining Units:
 
State Units 1,3 and 6
MASSDOT Units A, C and D
All NAGE represented Trial Court employees
All NAGE represented employees of UMMS
All NAGE represented employees of the MWRA
 
We will update you as this situation develops.