Union convinces state to increase mileage rate; Win provides financial relief at pumps

July 1, 2008 - Starting today OCSEA members who use their own vehicles for agency-required travel will get some financial relief from sky-high gasoline prices. State officials last week agreed to OCSEA's strong and persistent request to increase the mileage reimbursement rate.

Effective July 1, mileage will be reimbursed at 50.5 cents, nearly 11 cents over the current negotiated rate of 40 cents per mile established in contract article 32.02.

"Direct discussions with officials in the Governor's Office brought about this major win for OCSEA members," said Eddie L. Parks, president of OCSEA. "This is especially true for field employees who are required to travel on a regular basis for their jobs."

When President Parks and Executive Director Andy Douglas learned earlier this year that exempt employees were being reimbursed at the IRS rate of 50.5 cents, the duo began a campaign to increase the rate for bargaining unit employees, too. Letters expressing concern over this financial disparity were sent to state officials, including the governor.

"The administration has taken care of this problem for exempt employees by raising their mileage reimbursement rate to the IRS standard," Douglas wrote in a recent letter to an Office of Collective Bargaining official. "OCSEA represented employees deserve the same relief.  This is especially true given the increase in the cost of gasoline to $4.00 per gallon or higher."

The letter was written before the recent adjustment to the IRS reimbursement rate.

Parks and Douglas anticipate that state officials will seek modifications to travel-related language in the next contract.

A look at the recent policy changes the Ohio Office of Budget and Management has implemented for exempt staff gives some indication as to what proposals the state may offer at the bargaining table later this year.

Although the mileage rate increased on Feb. 1, 2008 for exempt employees, these employees also experienced a downgrade in reimbursement levels for items such as gratuity, meals, and per diems.

See Related

Contract between OCSEA and the State of Ohio (PDF)

Travel Policy for Exempt Employees outlined by Office of Budget and Management

Travel Policy Brochure for Exempt Employees (PDF)