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HISTORY

The State Highway and Transportation Employees Association of Missouri was organized in 1950 as a service organization to promote the general welfare of all employees, encourage the highest standards of employee conduct, and render the most effective service to the people of Missouri.  Listed below are some of the benefits the Highway Employees Association has been instrumental in securing.  After reading this list of items, please consider joining the Association if you are not presently a member.  The Association will work for you and can use your talents as a member to help benefit all MoDOT employees.

1951
The Association started its work in 1951. It requested a 10% across-the-board raise for employees which was approved. Also, the Association supported the Social Security Act which also passed.

1952
The Association proposed a group hospital and surgical plan to be implemented. This early work was the beginning of the health insurance plan we have today. It's hard to believe that at one time we did not have health insurance as state employees. The Association also proposed a five 40 hour work week. This item was also approved in 1952.

1953
The Association continued its work in 1953 by supporting a provision that allowed beneficiaries of deceased employees to be compensated for the employee's unused vacation.

1955
The Association proposed legislation for a retirement plan for State Employees. This legislation was approved and passed. Also proposed a leave of absence from work for serious illness. This item was also approved.

1959
In 1959, the Association requested that employees be compensated for holidays that fell on Saturday or Sunday. Approved.

1960
The Association proposed a safety study which was approved and later initiated.

1961
A full time position for the credit union was obtained. An increase in vacation of 1 1/4 day per month was asked for and obtained. The Association requested that the 20 hour shift for maintenance men be abolished. The Association requested that sick leave be increased to 1 1/4 days per month. All of this approved in 1961 alone!!

1962
Various self supporting social and sports activities were started. This was the beginning of our fishing, bowling and golf competition.

1963
This was the year that compensatory time was initiated at the Associations request.

1964
The Association requested that certain safety features be added to maintenance equipment.

1966
A committee on service and welfare was established for employee complaints.

1967
The Association was instrumental in upgrading the group life insurance program. Also, requested that all employees be covered under Workmen's Compensation.

1969
Overtime was obtained. The Association asked that sick time be allowed to accumulate to 120 days which was approved.

1970
The Association requested that the spouse's immediate family be included on leave for funerals which was approved.

1971
State paid drive-other-car insurance was passed. Before this time the employees personal insurance had to be used.

1972
The Association requested that 1.25% be used in the retirement formula plus vested rights was approved.

1973
The Association requested and received unlimited accumulation of sick leave.

1974
Overtime pay for some lower paid employees was increased to time and one half at the Associations request.

1976
Revisions to the retirement system were made so that the state would make all contributions. Vacation of 1 3/4 days per month at 15 years of service was requested by the Association and received.

1977
State participation in the cost of the employees health insurance. Maintenance men working on an hourly basis for the Highway Department were given retirement credit.

1978
Additional money per month was gained from the State to pay health insurance premiums. Salary brackets for employees were adjusted one step. A percentage increase on the interest earned by the employee's retirement contribution.

1979
A change in the overtime policy was obtained that increased accumulated compensatory time.

1981
Passage of HB 983 was obtained which provided for the return of the employee contribution in the retirement system.

1984
Obtained passage of a bill which gave employees one month retirement for every 42 days of unused sick leave. The percentage used in the retirement formula was increased from 1.25% to 1.33% A 50% spouse benefit was initiated with no reduction to the employees benefits. Plaques were obtained to honor employees killed on the job.

1985
The Association supported a bill authorizing the state to pay insurance benefits for dependents. An Association salary study presented to administration, yielded an 8% cost of living raise for highway employees.

1986
The Association supported retirement with full benefits at 55 years of age and 30 years of service. Improvements were made in the medical plan, with no increase in premiums.

1987
The maximum level of cost of living adjustment for retirees was increased from 50% to 65%. Employees were allowed to purchase up to two years of prior military service to be added to their years of credible service with the department. A "cafeteria plan" for state employees was established to allow the employees to pay for certain medical and insurance related items with pre-tax dollars. Allowance for paid tuition for the college education of department employees killed on the job.

1988
The retirement option for the surviving spouse was revised so that they would receive 50% of the final annuity instead of the beginning annuity. The retirement formula was again revised in 1988. The percentage used in the retirement formula was increased from 1.33% to 1.5%.

1990
One of the items accomplished in 1990 was the direct deposit of payroll checks. Also, accomplished was the withholding of payments for uniform rental from monthly payroll checks.

1991
Full credit of unused sick leave time for retirement approved.

1992
Association got approved vesting after five years of service, purchase of military credit for active employee veterans who will receive military retirement, addition of one retired member to the retirement board, 1/2 survivorship for spouses of retirees that died prior to September 28, 1989 and transferring of service time for state employees.

1993
Payroll deduction approved for Association dues, additional salary bracket on salary schedule.

1994
Also we had a bill pass that changed the retirement factor to 1.6%. We also had the work zone safety bill passed.

1995
The Association found a sponsor for this bill and it passed into law. $25 matching into deferred compensation. This bill not only affected Highway and Transportation Employees but all state employees.

1996
Worked to help get COMAP salary plan approved by trying to get employees across the market value step. Worked with Administration to get better coverage and stay out of consolidated health plan.

1997
Testified against holiday bill that would have taken away three holidays and been replaced with two personal days and make the Friday after Thanksgiving a legal holiday. Supported legislation to provide COLA after reaching maximum 65% (retirement).

1998
Testified for the contribution factor to PEBSCO's Deferred Comp Plan be increased to $75.00. APPROVED!!! The contributing factor will be appropriated by the Legislature yearly.