State of the State: Chaos

This week, the governor gave the annual “State of the State” speech. AFSCME members surely have heard enough Walkerspeak, so instead we are sharing some reactions to the speech.

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The first Analyze This! of 2012 has been published. Topics covered are pending cases before the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission and the State Supreme Court. Significant WERC cases will determine whether a correctional officer is a public safety employee, the bargaining rights of public safety employees with respect to insurance deductibles, and the status of back-to-back contracts completed before the implementation of Act 10. Supreme Court cases include one that will determine pension contributions via interest arbitration for public safety employees (Oconto County) and another that concerns contracts that “rolled over” prior to the implementation of Act 10 (Marinette County). In addition to the cases discussed above, you will find updates on other legal developments, including the Walker John Doe investigation and the battle over congressional and legislative redistricting. Read more >>>

District 3’s Spring Conference is set for Saturday, February 18 at the Holiday Inn, 4601 Calumet Avenue (I-43 Exit 149), Manitowoc. Registration at 8:00 and call to order at 9:00. The agenda includes a workshop on filling out credentials, a presentation from Karen Royster from the Institute on Wisconsin’s Future on the impact of the Walker budget on Wisconsin families, updates on the Council 40 and International Conventions, and reports from Executive Board members and staff.
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The District 5 Spring Conference is scheduled for Saturday, February 11 at the Best Western Riverfront Hotel, 1835 Rose Street, La Crosse. Registration at 8:30 and call to order at 9:00. The agenda includes updates on the Council and International Conventions, and features guest speakers such as Council 11’s Susan McMurray, Karen Royster from the Institute on Wisconsin’s Future, local politicians, and a presentation on how to “Motivate and Activate your Local Union”. Read more >>>

Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee after Pres. Obama’s State of the Union address Read more >>>

Last week, Rep. Patricia Strachota (R-West Bend) sent an email to legislators urging them to sign on as sponsors of a bill that would create an alternative, optional retirement plan for newly-hired UW System employees.

The proposal has not been formally introduced, so it has no bill number yet, but it is known as LRB 3202. Strachota’s bill would create an optional, privately-run retirement plan for new hires. We are still looking over the bill to understand its full implications, but here is our first take on the bill.

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The people have spoken. With more than 1 million petition signatures, Wisconsin registered voters are proclaiming that the rights of American workers must be respected. Read more >>>

 One year ago this week, the governor was inaugurated in office. Since then, he has signed laws that: Read more >>>

SCHOLARSHIP…We are happy to announce the next round of competition for the Council 40 Memorial Scholarship Fund awards.

Judging by the large number of applications that are submitted each year, our members view the scholarships as an important benefit of AFSCME membership. We hope that the awards will enable more of our members to take advantage of educational opportunities that they might otherwise miss because of financial constraints. (more)

As part of our program to continue to build a strong union and Fight to Take Back Our Rights, Council 40 has introduced a new secure on-line site for members to use to sign-up for alternative dues payment system if their employer has ended dues check-off. This system will allow members to arrange payment by electronic bank draft, debit or credit card. (read more)

Treasurers, due to recent changes in filing requirements by the IRS, all AFSCME locals must file a Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N.  Please note that for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2010, locals with gross receipts of $50,000 or less may file the Form 990-N.  To determine which form your local needs to file and what the deadlines are (click for more).

Through the cooperation of AFSCME, the AFL-CIO and Council 40 we are pleased to announce a new free service for Local Unions. Laborweb is a simple and free tool to build websites and strengthen communication. (more)

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP We have started a Facebook group for to provide our members with another sources of information about what is happening here in Council 40. Search Facebook for AFSCME Council 40 and join in.