Ohio Rejects New Collective Bargaining Law

   In a statewide referendum yesterday, the people of the state of Ohio rejected recently implemented collective bargaining laws that were more restrictive than those passed in Wisconsin.  It is being considered a huge victory for labor unions in the state, and a defeat of Republican Governor John Kasich.  You can read more about it by clicking here.

TAA Chooses Not to Decertify

The members of the Teachers Assistant Association (TAA), which represents graduate students at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, voted not to hold a recertification vote under the recently enacted Wisconsin Act 10.  A spokesman for the group noted that very little was to be gained from the recertification, whereas much could be lost.  If a union chooses to recertify under Act 10, they must receive a yes vote from 51% of active members and recertify every year.  Failure to recertify would mean they could not make a second attempt for one year.  Public employee unions are limited to bargaining wages only with raises capped at the consumer price index by Act 10.  The TAA is the first such union in the state to take this route.  It will now exist as an unofficial association of employees with no bargaining rights.

Judge Strikes Down Collective Bargaining Law

   In a decision rendered earlier today, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi declared that there was "clear and convincing evidence" that the meeting at which Wisconsin Act 10 was passed did not meet with open meeting law requirement, and as such the law is void.  She then went on to issue a permanent injunction against it.  There are several more legal battles being fought regarding the law, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court is scheduled to begin hearing arguments as to whether it should take up the case on June 6, 2011.  This development dows not change any of the contract agreements that were ratified by the union membership on Monday May 23, as once a tentative agreement is ratified it is binding, and Wisconsin Act 10 does not mandate an employee contribution to the retirement fund.  Please stay tuned for more information as we have it.

Tentative Agreement Ratified

At a meeting earlier today, Vilas County Local 474 ratified the tentative agreement on an employment contract that was struck last week.  It was ratified by a unanimous vote of those members present.  The term of the contract is six months beginning July 1, 2011, and all aspects of the existing contract remain the same except the following changes:

- 2% pay raise effective July 1, 2011

- Employees will contribute 5.8% to their retirement fund

- Yearly prescription drug co-pays maximums are removed

-  Doctor's Office Visit and Critical Care Visit co-pays increase to $15

-  Emergency Room Visits co-pay increases to $100.

-  If multiple members of one family are employed by Vilas County, only one Family Plan may be utilized.

This contract will be presented to the Vilas County Board of Supervisors on June 10, 2011 for their ratification.  If ratified by the full County Board the contract will take effect on July 1, 2011.  All vacation, sick time, and other benefits remain the same.

Tentative Agreement and Ratification Meeting

   At a mediation session today, Vilas County Local 474 reached a tentative agreement with Vilas County on an employment contract to begin July 1, 2011 and end December 31, 2011.  Detailed terms of the agreement will be presented to the membership for review and ratification at a special meeting to be held on Monday, May 23, 2010 at 4:05 pm in the Courthouse Conference Rooms.  This is your opportunity to give your opinion and allow your vote to be heard.

Mediation Upcoming

     Way back, in the days before Scott Walker, the Union and Vilas County actually began negotiating the next contract for Union workers.  Since no compromise was made between the two sides it was decided to go to mediation, and since the long-standing bargaining laws have yet to be swept away, the County still must bargain with the Union in "good faith."  All that being said, a mediation session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18, 2011.  It is not open to the public or Union membership at large, but the Executive Council will be meeting with Personnel in the closed session with the mediator.  We will give you more updates as they are available.

Transition Committee

The Vilas County Board of Supervisors held a meeting today in the Conference Rooms to set up what they are calling the Transition Committee that will explore and make recommendations on how to adapt county policies to the Budget Repair Bill.  This meeting also included a presentation by their labor attorney regarding new changes.  Check back here for more information as it becomes available to us.  Click Here to see a copy of the agenda.