Transition Committee Recap

     At the last Transition Committee meeting, the Committee discussed a potential Table of Contents for a revised Employee Handbook and were informed by the Human Resources Director that a consortium of counties were working together to write a pair of handbooks - one for employees in general and one for management.  The Committee also discussed the implementation of temporary work rules to replace the Union contract after January 1, 2012 until more permanent rules regarding things such as pay, health insurance, and time off can be put into place.   There was also much comment from the employees in attendance, most of it regarding the uncertainty of the future and the low morale in the Courthouse in general.  Thank you to the employees who were brave enough to speak the truth in very difficult circumstances.  The next meeting is scheduled for November 30, 2011 at 4:00 pm in the Courthouse Conference Rooms.  Please make sure to attend, as the Committee was very interested in hearing what issues the employees feel are high priority.  Written comments are also welcome in the Clerk's Office.

Transition Committee Meeting Cancellation

     The Vilas County Transition Committee Meeting that was originally scheduled for today, Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 4:00 pm has been cancelled.  No make-up time has been scheduled as of yet.  We will let you know as soon as the next meeting is scheduled.

October Regular Meeting

     At the October regular meeting new officers were elected, among other business.  The membership received some updates as to possible changes in health insurance rates, pending County Board approval.  Congratulations to our new officers, all of whom were the sole nomination for their position: President David Sadenwasser, Vice President Connie Gengle, Secretary Marge Garsow, Treasurer Russ Szuta, and Chief Steward Constance Valkenaar.  Thank you to everyone who attended and all those named above who stepped up to help lead the unit.

Walker Recall Effort Date Set

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate has announced on the party website that the effort to recall Governor Scott Walker will begin on November 15, 2011.  540,306 valid signatures are required to force a recall election.  Organizers will have 60 days to collect the needed signatures.  You can read more details here.

Nomination Meeting

     Remember, Local 474 will be electing officers at the regular meeting held Monday, October 17, 2011 at 4:05 pm in the Courthouse Conference Rooms.  There are several positions on the executive board that are available to please make sure to attend if you have nominations.  Voting - should elections be needed - will be held in November.

Teachers Unions Apply for Re-Certification

Over 200 teachers and educational support staff unions have filed for re-certification with the state, under Wisconsin Act 10. The Wisconsin Employee Relations Commission - which will oversee the re-certifications - noted that the vast majority were teachers unions.  Teachers and educational support staff had until 4:30 pm yesterday to file and pay a $200 fee to begin the process.