History

The South Carolina State Employees Association is a non-profit, non-partisan organization established to advance the welfare of state employees and retirees and to promote efficiency in the administration of the business affairs and public services of state government.  It is supported financially by the dues of those employees and retirees who choose to be members.

The Association started in 1943, when a group of about 20 state workers wanted to establish a state retirement system. Because establishing the system required an amendment to the State Constitution, the employees organized an informal state employee group to publicize the need and work for a state retirement system. They solicited voluntary contributions to finance the effort to achieve the retirement system. Eventually, a steering committee was formed and officers and a board of directors were appointed. The Association's first president, the late F. M. Rast, was elected, and by 1945, the S. C. Retirement System was a reality. In 1946 the South Carolina State Employees Association was officially chartered.

The Association has won many benefits for state employees since that time, including pay increases, retirement increases, a state grievance procedure, the state-supported health insurance plan, the dental insurance plan, improvements in leave, and retirement with full benefits after 28 years of service.

Membership in SCSEA is open to all active employees and retirees of the S. C. state departments, agencies, and institutions. Aboard of directors, elected by SCSEA members from among their own number, governs the affairs of the Association. Thus, the programs and activities of SCSEA are determined and directed solely by state employees and retirees.

SCSEA local Chapters play a prominent role in membership recruitment, legislative promotion, information sharing, and fellowship. They form the strong grassroots base the Association needs to be effective. Currently, there are 42 Chapters covering all 46 S. C. counties.

Throughout the years, SCSEA has successfully sponsored many programs to improve working conditions and employee and retiree benefits. But many more improvements are needed, and SCSEA will continue to work, through its directors, members, and staff, for further benefits to keep state employment competitive with the private sector to attract and retain the best people possible.

The Association's office is located at 1325 Park Street in downtown Columbia, S. C., three blocks from the Statehouse. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.