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.

North-Central Labor Coalition Meeting

The North-Central Labor Coalition - which includes both AFSCME and WEAC - will be holding a metting on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 6:00 pm at the Best Western Claridge Inn in Rhinelander, to discuss strategies for unions going forward.  There will be representatives of your Local 474 in attendance, and all others are invited to attend.

Happy Labor Day

Happy Labor Day to everyone from AFSCME Local 474!  We hope that all our members are enjoying their extra day off, and we would like to thank those of you who are at work today making sure that the world still turns and does so safely while the rest of us are off.  Regardless of your views on organized labor, or on which side of the fence you have stood on during the recent events here in Wisconsin, today is an excellent opportunity to recognize the great impace that organized labor has had on the American social, physical, and financial landscape.  We thank all of our members who have continued their support and activism in these unprecedented times.  This day is for you.  Thank you, and we hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!