Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are my working hours going to be – what will I expect to do on July 1, 2007, and where do I report for work? 
   The most important thing to do is show up for work as you have always done to the same location on July 1, 2007 and do your usual good work.  YOU are a very integral part of the successful implementation of this consolidated effort – and, unless you have been advised otherwise, we do not anticipate large changes for you. 
   
   
2. What are the normal working hours for FMDC employees?
   Typically speaking, the working hours for FMDC employees are between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.  In some special and limited circumstances, the working hours may be adjusted with the prior approval of your supervisor.  The need to address the business needs of the division will always be the first consideration in determining a work schedule.  Additionally, some positions will require different working hour schedules, but, these are limited in number. 
   
   
3. What are the policy and/or rules on compensatory time?
   Compensatory time will be credited to your leave balance when compensatory time is determined to be necessary by your supervisor.  There is no maximum amount of comp time that can accrue, however, prior to the end of the fiscal year, FMDC determines whether or not there is sufficient money in the budget to pay the comp time balances down and leave only 20 hours for each employee to utilize. 
   
   
4. How much annual leave/sick leave may I accrue?
   Sick and annual leave accrual rates do not change from those you experienced at your previous agency.   They are standard across state government: 
   5 hours sick leave per pay period; 10 hours per month
   5 hours annual leave per pay period; 10 hours per month, with 0-10 years of service
   6 hours annual leave per pay period; 12 hours per month, with 10-15 years of service
   7 hours annual leave per pay period; 14 hours per month, with 15 or more years of service
   Intermittent and hourly employees’ leave is calculated on a prorated basis.
    
5.  If I am over the maximum amount of leave time allowable to be accrued, will the state pay me for all of the annual leave/vacation time?
   You will be allowed to transfer any over the maximum amount of annual leave; however, anything over the max must be utilized by October of each year or they will be lost.  Any annual leave payout arrangements must be made with the agency from which you are departing and it is at their option whether or not they elect to pay out the over maximum amount of annual leave. 
   
   
6. Is Flex Time allowed?  If so, how do I obtain a flexible time schedule?
   In certain situations, flex time is allowed, but only with prior approval from your supervisor and it is designed to be on a limited duration basis vs. a full time permanent schedule. 
   
   
7. Is overtime allowed? 
   Overtime is allowed, (but only for certain classifications) if the business of the unit requires overtime; however, any overtime worked must first be approved by your supervisor in advance of working any overtime hours. 
   
   
8. How do I report my time worked?
   Time sheets are to be completed weekly and forwarded to the ER unit.  In the very near future, we contemplate utilizing a web-based, new, time reporting system which should greatly alleviate manual, duplicative entry by our internal timekeeping unit.  If you do not have access to a computer, time sheets may be faxed to Employee Relations at 573-526-9822. 
   
   
9. When will I receive my pay check and in what form?
   You will receive your paycheck in the form of a “paperless” advice – sent directly to your MOSERS account.  All employees are assigned a MOSERS pin number and you can access your records from any Internet site anywhere with your MOSERS pin number.  Your paperless stub will show you your leave balances, your deductions, and any other pertinent information formerly displayed on your “paper” stub.  ‘As before, payroll checks are issued on the 15th and the last working day of the month.  If the 15th falls on Saturday, payday will be on Friday.  If the 15th falls on a Sunday, payday will be on the following Monday.  If Monday happens to be a state holiday, payday will be on the following Tuesday. 
   
   
10. How do I know my sick leave and annual leave balances?
    Your leave balances are shown each pay period on your pay stub.  Do remember, however, that when calculating your balance, leave balances are reported in “lag” (or two weeks hence). 
    
    
11. How do I know what my pay stub reflects insofar as withholding, leave balances, etc. 
    Your pay stub may be accessed online from any computer with Internet access, at home or work.  You will need your MOSERS pin number in order to access these records.  If you do not remember or cannot locate your MOSERS pin number, please call MOSERS at (573) 632-6100 or (800) 827-1063.
    
    
12. If I am injured on the job, where do I go for treatment and who will pay? 
    If you are injured on the job, it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor as soon as possible.  You should proceed to the nearest emergency room immediately if the nature of the injury is extreme or life threatening.  If it is not of this nature, you must call 800-624-2354.  They will refer you to a worker’s compensation physician.  You should NOT obtain your own medical assistance from your personal physician if you are injured at work.  Finally, you should also notify the Employee Relations section (751-2489) to file a work injury report, whether or not you seek medical attention.
    
    
13. What is the dress code for FMDC?
    Dress code for FMDC is business casual.  Some work classifications will be assigned uniforms.  If you are required to be in the Capitol or are called into a meeting with a public official, business attire is required.  If you have any questions about what is and is not appropriate attire, please refer to OA and FMDC policies online or your supervisor. 
    
    
14. Who should I notify if I am ill?
    All employees are expected to notify their immediate supervisor, personally, before the commencement of their customary work schedule.  If you are unable to reach the supervisor, please call 573-751-0579 to notify of your absence and your supervisor will be notified.    If you do not reach anyone at this number, you may also notify the front desk at 573-751-2624 and they will attempt to notify your supervisor.  However, it is the responsibility of the employee to notify, preferably in person, your supervisor before the commencement of your work schedule.  Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action. 
    
    
15. What is the name of the unit that handles employee questions?  How do I transmit my time sheet?  To whom do I send it and in what form?
    All employee questions that can be handled internally are handled by Employee Relations.  Cindy Buddette is the manager of this unit.  Her telephone number is 573-751-2489. 
    Please note that in the immediate near future we will institute usage of a pilot project web-based time keeping system.  We will provide more information on this system as it becomes available. 
    
    
16. What are the other rules and regulations for OA/FMDC and where can I read those?
    FMDC Employee guidelines are listed on the Internet web page under “Employee Handbook” at http://www.oa.mo.gov/fmdc/
    
    
17. If I need to take FMLA-related absence from my job duties, how much time do I get for that and will my job still be there when I return? 
    FMLA is a federal law that protects employees and their jobs for a period of 12 weeks on a continuous calendar year basis.  This 12 week designation is a period of time in which your job, or a job very similar, will be protected for you and your use if you are injured or incapacitated and unable to work.  This 12 week period is not in addition to regular annual and sick leave.  Once you have utilized 12 weeks in a calendar year for FMLA purposes, you are not entitled to any more FMLA-protected time in that continuous calendar year cycle.  You may utilize your sick leave and annual leave to cover this 12-week period, provided you have enough accumulated leave.  If you do not have enough leave, you will then go into a leave without pay situation for the remaining time until the expiration of the 12 weeks.  Thereafter, if you are still unable to return to work, you should seek alternative arrangements such as retirement, long term disability or resignation. 
    
    
18. What exactly does FMDC do and why are we a part of the consolidation?
    FMDC manages real estate, leasing and building ownership portfolios for over 32,000,000 square feet of state owned, state leased or state operated buildings and facilities statewide.  We are considered “experts” in the management, upkeep and identification of problem or potential problem areas in the facilities management arena.  We perform our duties in a very business-like manner and look at the overall cost of total building ownership vs. just day-to-day operations.  It is an exciting time in Missouri state government to be part of the FMDC Consolidation as together we work to identify potential problems and mutual opportunities to improve the condition of our buildings statewide.  Through this consolidated effort, we not only bring more expertise to bear for the handling of intricate or specific problems, and the resolution of the same, we also capture a wealth of experience and expertise from a coordinated and consolidated workforce. 
    
    
19. Will I receive a new state identification card, or should I continue to use my “old” one? 
    FMDC will not issue new photo identification cards at this time.  You should continue to wear the id card issued by your departing agency.  In the future, we may look at an overall revamp of the identification card system. 
    
    
20. What are “Capital Improvement Projects”?
    A construction, renovation, or maintenance/repair project that replaces, expands, add to the value of, or prolongs the life of the property, facilities, or equipment, and exceeds $25,000 in cost.  
    
    
21. What are the various sections of FMDC? 
    The sections are: 
    
    Director's Office
• Facilities Operations
• Facilities Technical Analysis
• Institutional Operations
• Real Estate Services

Deputy Director's Office

• Project Management
• Planning
• Contracts

Administration

• Employee Relations
• Office Support
• Accounting
• Supply
  
  
1. What is the FMDC “mission statement”? 
   The FMDC and OA mission statement is the same:  “To provide support and services to Missouri State Government and our fellow state employees as efficiently and effectively as possible, while making the best use of the resources provided to us for that purpose by the taxpayers of Missouri.” 
   
   
2. Why do I get my paychecks in different forms and at different times from different agencies? 
   All state agencies are gradually being moved to twice-a-month payroll checks with paperless stubs.  You may access your pay stub as indicated above.  You will receive your FMDC paycheck at the same approximate time each month – on the 1ast day of the month and the 15th of the month.  If the 15th falls on Saturday, payday will be on Friday.  If the 15th falls on a Sunday, payday will be on the following Monday.  If Monday happens to be a state holiday, payday will be on the following Tuesday.
    
3. How do I report my time here?   Is this a web-based program?
   In the near future, there will be a new time reporting system that will be a web based system.  In the meantime, your department has been furnished with hard copy of time sheets that you should complete and fax back to FMDC at the end of each week. 
   
   
4. How do I determine my overtime classification? 
   In most instances, this will not change; however, for specific questions in this regard, please contact the Employee Relations section.
    
5. Will this consolidation affect my merit seniority? 
   It is not anticipated that there will be any serious realignment of merit seniority.
   
   
6. What is FMDC’s policy on employee technical training? 
   Whenever needed or appropriate, your supervisor will request appropriate training for employees needing specialized training.
    
7. If there is further privatization, will I lose my job? 
   At this time, no further privatization is anticipated.  If this should occur, we will conduct layoffs and employees will be given sufficient time to either locate other employment, seek other opportunities within FMDC, retire, or make alternative plans. 
   
   
8. Will I receive “on call” pay when on stand-by shift work? 
   Those employees who currently receive “on call” pay for stand-by shift work will continue to receive this pay.  If we determine a better way to handle “on call” it is anticipated this practice will be phased out. 
   
   
9. How are promotions determined by FMDC?
   Promotional and job opportunities are shared with our staff before they are sent out to any other distribution notification.  They will be sent via e-mail and will also posted on our Intranet site. 
   
   
10. Do my leave balances transfer to FMDC?  What about my retirement plan?
    It is anticipated that you will have a seamless transition insofar as the transfer of your sick and annual leave time and your eligible retirement years of service.  We will not transfer any comp time balance and your departing agency should either allow you to utilize this comp time or pay off any comp time balance prior to the transfer date.
     
11. Where should I park if I must come to FMDC for meetings from out-of-town?
    There is visitor parking designated on several parking lots surrounding the Truman Building.  Because you are not a ‘regular’ Truman building employee, you are authorized to park in visitor parking. 
    
    
12. Do I still get to drive my own vehicle whenever I wish to do so and get reimbursed?
    FMDC strongly recommends and requires our employees to utilize state vehicles or fleet vehicles whenever traveling on behalf of the state or the division.  Utilization of your private vehicle must be pre-approved by the Director or Deputy Director. 
    
    
13. Will all new FMDC employees be invited to a new employee orientation?
    New employee orientation meetings are held for all new FMDC employees.  Several larger such meetings will be scheduled later on this summer for new FMDC employees.
     
14. If I work for an institutional facility and my Service Level Manager instructs me to do one thing; and the Institutional management tells me I cannot do this or instructs me to do another thing, what should I do?
    Follow the proper chain of command.  If the problem remains unresolved, contact John Hequembourg, Director of Institutional Operations at 573-526-6671 or, alternatively, the Business Manager for Institutional Operations at 573-751-2624 and inform them of your difficulty.   They will seek the proper resolution to your specific situation.
     
15. What levels of approval must I get and from whom to spend OPMR (operation, maintenance and repair) dollars?
    Supervisors will approve/disapprove the expenditure of OPMR dollars over $500.00. 
    
    
16. What is the office policy with respect to work breaks?
    FMDC employees are entitled to regular and customary work breaks.  Two fifteen (15) minute breaks are allowed each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Lunch breaks may be taken in 30 minute or 1 hour increments, depending on your work schedule and your supervisor’s approval.
     
17. What is the office policy on smoking?
    All state owned and operated buildings and facilities are smoke free.  Smoking areas are designated outside and all smoking activities should be restricted to those designated areas.
     
18. Do you anticipate an FMDC newsletter so that we may feel “connected”, even though we may physically still reside in one of the institutions?
    FMDC has an intranet where all upcoming events, meetings and items of mutual interest are posted.  If you have something to add to the intranet please send it to:  Karen Witt, Truman Building, Room 730, Jefferson City, MO.  Because this site is updated on an ongoing and regular basis, it is not anticipated that a newsletter will be produced. Additionally, we will continue to have all employee quarterly meetings.
     
19. If I have a work-related issue with an agency employee – with whom should I discuss this issue, my present agency’s HR representative or FMDC’s?
    Please discuss any employee issues first with your immediate supervisor.  If you are unable to resolve any issue at that level, then please work with the Employee Relations Section of FMDC. 
     
20. What type of performance review procedures will be used by FMDC?
    FMDC will utilize the new PERFORM system of appraisal beginning July 1, 2007.
     
21. Will I be on probation and if so, for how long? 
    In most cases, there will not be probationary issues unless you are currently serving in a probationary period.  If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact the Employee Relations Manager at 573-751-2489. 
    
    
22. Do you anticipate this to be the end of consolidation or will other agencies be added later on?
    At this time, it is unknown whether there will be other departments or agencies who wish to be brought over to FMDC for assistance with their building maintenance activities and related matters.  If other agencies or departments indicate an interest in so consolidating, we would welcome the opportunity to improve the management efficiencies of their facilities.
     
23. Are there opportunities for advancement within FMDC?  And, if so, how do I learn about those?
    As stated above, there are opportunities for advancement within FMDC on a regular basis and we will notify the office staff first.  Additionally, all FMDC employment opportunities can be accessed on the Internet at:
     
24. Does FMDC provide educational reimbursement? 
    Educational reimbursement for a degree or seeking further educational opportunities should be discussed with your supervisor.  The decision as to whether or not we will offer educational reimbursement varies based on many factors and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
     
25. If there is further privatization, will I lose my job?
    At this time, no further privatization is anticipated.  If this should occur, we will conduct layoffs and employees will be given sufficient time to either locate other employment, seek other opportunities within FMDC, retire, or make alternative plans. 
    
    
26. Will I receive “on call” pay when on stand-by shift work?
    FMDC pays Group 2 employees overtime unless the employee chooses to retain the OT for comp rather than be paid for it. Group 1 employees receive state comp (straight time) with no pay.
    
    
27. How are promotions determined by FMDC?
    Promotional and job opportunities are shared with our staff before they are sent out to any other distribution notification.  They will be sent via e-mail and will also posted on our Intranet site. 
    
    
28. Do my leave balances transfer to FMDC?  What about my retirement plan?
    It is anticipated that you will have a seamless transition insofar as the transfer of your sick and annual leave time and your eligible retirement years of service.  We will not transfer any comp time balance and your departing agency should either allow you to utilize this comp time or pay off any comp time balance prior to the transfer date. 

 

If your question is not answered here or you have other questions please refer to FMDC’s home page at http://www.oa.mo.gov/fmdc. 

 

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