----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Piech
To: Sen.Wanggaard
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 2:06 PM
Subject: Organized Crime
Van,
Reading the article 2 weeks back in the Racine Journal Times, your claimed "disappointment" to the Walker jeers from the Gateway crowds actually humors me.Yeah, what a surprise. Who would've thought that a power-abusing dictator who has outright raped teachers and torn school funding down to nothing would be booed at a college function....What a shocker!!
Seriously, what did you expect, Van? Even a college failure like Walker himself should've been smart enough to figure out that he would be blasted and ripped at an event like this, and rightfully so. You can only kick your dog so many times before he at some point bites back, right? How awkward it must've been for Scott. Ain't that a shame.
The biting back part is only just beginning, Van. This path you have chosen to follow with these radical dirtbags is a dark one. As a former Racine cop with many HR/disability issues yourself, you should know the union YOU once needed and now stand against will never forget or forgive. Still hard to believe people are actually dumb enough to vote for any of you backward thugs.
You and the rest of your Walker-supporting ReTHUGlican cronies have willfully included yourselves into one of the most extreme radical political movements this state has ever seen, and you sit there and claim you are "disappointed" that a COLLEGE crowd rips into your God Walker?! Your God Walker, who has accomplished only ONE thing so far -- ripping and dividing this state apart and creating hatred between public and private sector people of Wisconsin!! Yes, you, Fitzgerald, Darling, Vos, Grothman, and the rest of you vile neanderthals who have decided to join this radical extremist Walker hopefully will also make history with him when he becomes the first radical Wisconsin governor to be recalled and booted. Now we all of course expect him to work his grimy fingers into the law books with his woman-beating dirtbag accomplice Prosser and attempt to change the law and build in recall provisions to protect his holy reign. We know it's coming, anyone who has followed this thug knows his. If you can't get what you want legally….just change the law, it's the ReTHUGlican way! If that doesn't work, I'm sure there's some incompetent minion in WAUKESHA who for the right price will attempt to come up with a few thousand extra votes just to even things out...
But if there really is a god up there, at some point the evil garbage that has polluted this state since January 2011 will be defeated by moral justice. At some point, this uncontested abuse of power by all of you vile ReTHUGlicans and your God, Walker, will be defeated, and your heroic movement short-lived. You have underestimated this venomous rage and disdain we all have toward you, but I can assure you it will burn in our souls well past January 2012.
Please feel free to forward this to the rest of your vile clan of power-abusing ReTHUGlicans whose names nauseate me too much mention again.
"WISCONSIN REPUBLICANS 2011…..JUST ANOTHER FORM OF ORGANIZED CRIME"
Brian Piech
Racine
[END]
Click "Here" to learn who Senator Van Wanggaard is >>>
Saturday, July 30, 2011
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO Membership Benefits - AAA
We are continuing to rebuild the Council 24 website. We have recently updated the "Membership Benefits" web page exclusive to AAA Insurance, Motor Club & Discounts.
Please click "HERE" to view the updated web page.
Please click "HERE" to view the updated web page.
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO Membership Benefits - Wisconsin Vision Update
We are continuing to rebuild the Council 24 website. We have recently updated the "Membership Benefits" web page exclusive to Wisconsin Vision.
Please click "HERE" to view the updated page.
Please click "HERE" to view the updated page.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wisconsin Election Protection Volunteers Needed
From: Sheila Cochran [mailto:sheila@milwaukeelabor.org]
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 1:37 PM
Subject: Wisconsin Election Protection Volunteers Needed
Importance: High
Wisconsin Election Protection has been operational for many years. We have over time observed our elections process and mad recommendations for improvement. We have concentrated our efforts in the past to observe and assure that voter’s rights to participate in electing their government are as easy as possible. When Wisconsin changed its election laws it made it more difficult for many in our community to vote, unfortunately that is the law and our reality. The job of Wisconsin Election Protection now becomes inform voters as best we can of the changes in the law that will affect them in these recall elections. We need your help to accomplish that. We would like to station Observers at polling sites to feed information back to our command center. We need your help in getting to people we may now be able to capture for this activity.
This is a state wide effort and we need more volunteers for the day. Our volunteers will be trained by the League of Women Voters a member of our Coalition. LWV Election Observer Program is Looking for Volunteers!
Sign up on our 2011 Election Observer Volunteer Form!
The controversial Voter ID law was recently signed, and parts of it go into effect immediately. The LWV-WI is concerned that the law may not be implemented evenly across the state and could be used to disenfranchise voters. Working with many non-partisan groups across the state, we are looking for volunteers to be our eyes and ears to report on what happens in the Senate recall elections in August. We will be observing in 6 recall districts on August 9 and 3 on August 16.
Anyone can volunteer who--
1. Can spend 6 to 7 hours (or all 13 hours) at a polling place in one of the 9 state Senate districts with recall elections.
2. Is willing to participate in a 2 hour training session—a webinar—prior to the election.
3. Agrees to mail in a report following the election.
4. We prefer people with cell phones.
5. You don't need to be a League member to volunteer.
League of Women Voters will provide--
1. Nonpartisan materials that let you know your role, what to look for, what to do if there are problems at the polls.
2. On-line training.
3. A number to call on election day to report problems.
How to volunteer
Sign up on our 2011 Election Observer Volunteer Form to give us your name, address, cell phone number and the date(s) you would like to observe.
We will get back to you about where you are needed and times for online training.
Tell your friends about this opportunity. We need over 1,000 volunteers to cover the 9 Senate districts!
If you or your organization could get volunteers to us that would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Sheila D. Cochran
Secretary Treasurer/Chief Operating Officer
633 South Hawley Road, Suite 110
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Office 414-771-7070 ext.14
Fax 414-771-0509
Cell 414-530-7080
E-mail Sheila@milwaukeelabor.org
www.milwaukeelabor.org
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 1:37 PM
Subject: Wisconsin Election Protection Volunteers Needed
Importance: High
Wisconsin Election Protection has been operational for many years. We have over time observed our elections process and mad recommendations for improvement. We have concentrated our efforts in the past to observe and assure that voter’s rights to participate in electing their government are as easy as possible. When Wisconsin changed its election laws it made it more difficult for many in our community to vote, unfortunately that is the law and our reality. The job of Wisconsin Election Protection now becomes inform voters as best we can of the changes in the law that will affect them in these recall elections. We need your help to accomplish that. We would like to station Observers at polling sites to feed information back to our command center. We need your help in getting to people we may now be able to capture for this activity.
This is a state wide effort and we need more volunteers for the day. Our volunteers will be trained by the League of Women Voters a member of our Coalition. LWV Election Observer Program is Looking for Volunteers!
Sign up on our 2011 Election Observer Volunteer Form!
The controversial Voter ID law was recently signed, and parts of it go into effect immediately. The LWV-WI is concerned that the law may not be implemented evenly across the state and could be used to disenfranchise voters. Working with many non-partisan groups across the state, we are looking for volunteers to be our eyes and ears to report on what happens in the Senate recall elections in August. We will be observing in 6 recall districts on August 9 and 3 on August 16.
Anyone can volunteer who--
1. Can spend 6 to 7 hours (or all 13 hours) at a polling place in one of the 9 state Senate districts with recall elections.
2. Is willing to participate in a 2 hour training session—a webinar—prior to the election.
3. Agrees to mail in a report following the election.
4. We prefer people with cell phones.
5. You don't need to be a League member to volunteer.
League of Women Voters will provide--
1. Nonpartisan materials that let you know your role, what to look for, what to do if there are problems at the polls.
2. On-line training.
3. A number to call on election day to report problems.
How to volunteer
Sign up on our 2011 Election Observer Volunteer Form to give us your name, address, cell phone number and the date(s) you would like to observe.
We will get back to you about where you are needed and times for online training.
Tell your friends about this opportunity. We need over 1,000 volunteers to cover the 9 Senate districts!
If you or your organization could get volunteers to us that would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Sheila D. Cochran
Secretary Treasurer/Chief Operating Officer
633 South Hawley Road, Suite 110
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Office 414-771-7070 ext.14
Fax 414-771-0509
Cell 414-530-7080
E-mail Sheila@milwaukeelabor.org
www.milwaukeelabor.org
Facebook Posting by WSEU President Paulette Feld
"Great day for Local 579 organizing. Meetings with custodial employees at UW Oshkosh, most are signing up and joining the fight. I'm proud of our local...keep up the great work."
Have you joined the FIGHT? If not, you can do so online: https://wseu.wisconsinunionstrong.org/
Have you joined the FIGHT? If not, you can do so online: https://wseu.wisconsinunionstrong.org/
Story - Walker Standard for Truth Not High, Says PolitiFact
Amazing, the previous post in this blog questioned the Wisconsin Republicans ability to ever tell the TRUTH and the below news story finds that their leader, Scott "Dictator" Walker seems to be consistently lying, that is unless he is judged by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel PolitiFact and then every now and then they seem to find something that Walker has said that has some small fraction of truth.
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Story - Walker Standard for Truth Not High, Says PolitiFact
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Story - Walker Standard for Truth Not High, Says PolitiFact
Story - Fake Right-Wing `Morgan Freeman` Ad Must Be Removed
Do Wisconsin Republicans DO ANYTHING or SAY ANYTHING that contains any truth? "Cheat, Steal & Lie" seems to be the Wisconsin Republican slogan.
Story - Fake Right-Wing `Morgan Freeman` Ad Must Be Removed
Story - Fake Right-Wing `Morgan Freeman` Ad Must Be Removed
Labor’s Excellent Adventure: ‘Truth Tour’ Urges Recall of Wis. GOP Senators - Working In These Times
WSEU President, Paulette Feld: "People are finally starting to see how harmful this extreme agenda is for Wisconsin Families. Folks are losing their jobs and school's are getting cut."
Labor’s Excellent Adventure: ‘Truth Tour’ Urges Recall of Wis. GOP Senators - Working In These Times
Labor’s Excellent Adventure: ‘Truth Tour’ Urges Recall of Wis. GOP Senators - Working In These Times
Recall campaigns aren't focusing on collective bargaining - JSOnline
This is a good article in that it shows that Scott Walker and his Legislative Majority continue to take Wisconsin in the WRONG DIRECTION. Wisconsin is hemorrhaging very terribly and the recall elections, if successful, will slow if not altogether stop, the hemorrhaging. The RECALL of Scott Walker in January of 2012 will be the SURGERY that Wisconsin will badly need so that our Great State can then get itself onto the road to RECOVERY.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that if you live in a RECALL SENATE DISTRICT that you get out and vote and take every voting age family member and neighbor and friend with you to the polls. RECALL actions DO NOT win recall elections, VOTES WIN RECALL ELECTIONS!
Just last night a sister of a Local 2748, Chapter 10 meeting approached me and told me how her only child, who does not exersize his right to vote has told her that he has had enough of seeing his mother in pain because of the actions of Scott Walker and his Legislative Majority and that he intends to VOTE and have his friends VOTE as well in hopes of stopping the destruction being caused by Walker and followers. This sister was nearly in tears as she relayed her sons comments to me.
REMEMBER, VOTES WIN RECALL ELECTIONS!
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Recall campaigns aren't focusing on collective bargaining - JSOnline
It is VERY IMPORTANT that if you live in a RECALL SENATE DISTRICT that you get out and vote and take every voting age family member and neighbor and friend with you to the polls. RECALL actions DO NOT win recall elections, VOTES WIN RECALL ELECTIONS!
Just last night a sister of a Local 2748, Chapter 10 meeting approached me and told me how her only child, who does not exersize his right to vote has told her that he has had enough of seeing his mother in pain because of the actions of Scott Walker and his Legislative Majority and that he intends to VOTE and have his friends VOTE as well in hopes of stopping the destruction being caused by Walker and followers. This sister was nearly in tears as she relayed her sons comments to me.
REMEMBER, VOTES WIN RECALL ELECTIONS!
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Recall campaigns aren't focusing on collective bargaining - JSOnline
Loggers attendance doesn't falter amidst 32nd Senate race | News - Home
Those of us from the La Crosse area are proud of their "La Crosse Loggers". Public sector employees as well. We support the La Crosse Loggers baseball team and the young men who play as a Logger in hopes of achieving recognition of their skills to take their professional baseball skills to the next level. The story fails to key on the point that Dan Kapanke, the Republican State Senator who at one time had a history of doing the "right thing" for his constituents, failed a large majority of his constituents when he abandoned them and supported Scott Walker's anti-collective bargaining bill is the actual target of animosity and not the young men who step onto the baseball field or the local resident who performs their job tasks of making the game happen.
It is very exhilarating on a nice summer evening for La Crosse area residents and baseball fans to settle into the "Lumber Yard" and hear the sizzle of the grills, smell the great brats, hot dogs and hamburgers grilling, the fresh popcorn being popped, the sound of tabs from soda and beer cans being popped as well as bottle caps being twisted off a very nice refreshing and cold bottle of locally brewed beer and then oh yes, the crack of a bat of a local baseball player as he delivers another hit and in many cases, a home run for La Crosse's favorite baseball team.
What you do now see is not the hand of every baseball fan reaching out for Dan Kapanke's hand as he makes his rounds with the fans. Public sector employees and their family members love baseball in La Crosse, but no longer are happy with Dan Kapanke who they all believe through away his years of representing his constituents to join the world of evil, Governor Scott Walker evil.
The average of 200 fans that you no longer see in the stands or just in the Lumber Yard on game night are those who no longer can afford to take more money from their family to enjoy an evening at the "Lumber Yard".
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Loggers attendance doesn't falter amidst 32nd Senate race News - Home
It is very exhilarating on a nice summer evening for La Crosse area residents and baseball fans to settle into the "Lumber Yard" and hear the sizzle of the grills, smell the great brats, hot dogs and hamburgers grilling, the fresh popcorn being popped, the sound of tabs from soda and beer cans being popped as well as bottle caps being twisted off a very nice refreshing and cold bottle of locally brewed beer and then oh yes, the crack of a bat of a local baseball player as he delivers another hit and in many cases, a home run for La Crosse's favorite baseball team.
What you do now see is not the hand of every baseball fan reaching out for Dan Kapanke's hand as he makes his rounds with the fans. Public sector employees and their family members love baseball in La Crosse, but no longer are happy with Dan Kapanke who they all believe through away his years of representing his constituents to join the world of evil, Governor Scott Walker evil.
The average of 200 fans that you no longer see in the stands or just in the Lumber Yard on game night are those who no longer can afford to take more money from their family to enjoy an evening at the "Lumber Yard".
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Loggers attendance doesn't falter amidst 32nd Senate race News - Home
Wisconsin state worker arrested in balloon flap | News - Home
The Wisconsin Department of Administration identifies that the state manager in the "balloon" incident was more dangerous acting than the female citizen carrying the balloon", please allow me to remind you though it was a "heart shaped" balloon (smirk on my face) and as such they have arrested the state manager.
Unfortunately, because DOA apparently believes that balloons, not just heart shaped balloons, but balloons in general create a threat to the security of "OUR" house (State Capitol) they have, in my opinion, unecessarily now spent money to place an unattractive net across the Rotunda area to prevent balloons from being released by citizens (commonly referred to as Union Thugs, Slobs and etc.) to the upper levels of the "People's House".
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Wisconsin state worker arrested in balloon flap News - Home
Unfortunately, because DOA apparently believes that balloons, not just heart shaped balloons, but balloons in general create a threat to the security of "OUR" house (State Capitol) they have, in my opinion, unecessarily now spent money to place an unattractive net across the Rotunda area to prevent balloons from being released by citizens (commonly referred to as Union Thugs, Slobs and etc.) to the upper levels of the "People's House".
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Wisconsin state worker arrested in balloon flap News - Home
Thursday, July 28, 2011
What will Wisconsin Democrats do if their recall dreams come true? - Isthmus | The Daily Page
You have been reading, hearing and seeing a plea from YOUR UNION to engage in these ever important RECALL ELECTIONS, both the current Senate Recalls and the anticipated RECALL OF SCOTT WALKER. Please read this article in full as to why these RECALL ELECTIONS are so important if working families in Wisconsin are to have any hope of first stopping the "hemorrhaging" that Wisconsin working families are facing and then to eventually provide the "surgery" needed to repair the very AWFUL DESTRUCTION OF WISCONSIN VALUES that we have seen the REPUBLICANS bring onto the Great State of Wisconsin.
Here is small bit of what is contained in the the article that is linked to in this blog entry:
"We're already beginning to introduce bills appealing taking away people's rights in collective bargaining," says Barca. (Barca is Peter Barca, Minority Leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly)
What will Wisconsin Democrats do if their recall dreams come true? - Isthmus The Daily Page
Here is small bit of what is contained in the the article that is linked to in this blog entry:
"We're already beginning to introduce bills appealing taking away people's rights in collective bargaining," says Barca. (Barca is Peter Barca, Minority Leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly)
What will Wisconsin Democrats do if their recall dreams come true? - Isthmus The Daily Page
Attention La Crosse Area Members (Senate District 32)
Field The Heat, with special guest Kathleen Falk - Statewide Weekend of Action
Join former Dane County Executive, Kathleen Falk & recall campaigns across the state, for a canvass launch this Saturday. We need all hands on deck as we enter the home stretch of this historic recall campaign. With less than 14 days until the election, Jennifer is counting on you to help GOTV (get out the vote)!
----------
La Crosse County - Field The Heat
Saturday, July 30
10am canvass kickoff with special guests Kathleen Falk & Rep. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling for Senate Office
116 5th Ave South, La Crosse
(Canvasses will also launch at 12 noon, 3pm & 6pm)
----------
La Crosse County - Field The Heat
Sunday, July 31
12 noon canvass kickoff with special guests Bowser (from Sha Na Na) & Rep. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling for Senate Office
116 5th Ave South, La Crosse
(Canvasses will also launch at 3pm & 6pm)
Join former Dane County Executive, Kathleen Falk & recall campaigns across the state, for a canvass launch this Saturday. We need all hands on deck as we enter the home stretch of this historic recall campaign. With less than 14 days until the election, Jennifer is counting on you to help GOTV (get out the vote)!
----------
La Crosse County - Field The Heat
Saturday, July 30
10am canvass kickoff with special guests Kathleen Falk & Rep. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling for Senate Office
116 5th Ave South, La Crosse
(Canvasses will also launch at 12 noon, 3pm & 6pm)
----------
La Crosse County - Field The Heat
Sunday, July 31
12 noon canvass kickoff with special guests Bowser (from Sha Na Na) & Rep. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling for Senate Office
116 5th Ave South, La Crosse
(Canvasses will also launch at 3pm & 6pm)
News :: Walker's Job Creation Myth :: The Shepherd Express: Milwaukee's best guide to events, music, news and dining
SEPAC Note: Walker caught yet again in another scenario of "spinning" the truth... What's new?
News :: Walker's Job Creation Myth :: The Shepherd Express: Milwaukee's best guide to events, music, news and dining
News :: Walker's Job Creation Myth :: The Shepherd Express: Milwaukee's best guide to events, music, news and dining
Reminder: AFSCME Chapter 10 Meeting Tonight, Thursday July 28th 6pm
AFSCME Local 2748
Professional Social Services Chapter 10
July 28, 2011
6:00 PM
Holiday Inn
1017 E McCoy Blvd
Tomah, WI
Dinner & Soda will be provided.
Bill Brockmiller
Regional Labor Market Analyst
Wisconsin DWD
608-785-9337
Cell: 608-386-0753
http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/oea/
Local 2748, Chapter 10
Chair Chapter 10
Professional Social Services Chapter 10
July 28, 2011
6:00 PM
Holiday Inn
1017 E McCoy Blvd
Tomah, WI
Dinner & Soda will be provided.
Bill Brockmiller
Regional Labor Market Analyst
Wisconsin DWD
608-785-9337
Cell: 608-386-0753
http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/oea/
Local 2748, Chapter 10
Chair Chapter 10
Shilling leads in poll but Kapanke not flustered
From the beginning of the state Senate recalls that have preoccupied Wisconsin politics for the past five months, Sen. Dan Kapanke of La Crosse has been identified as the Republican most likely to be thrown out of office.
Click "HERE" to read the entire news story >>>
Click "HERE" to read the entire news story >>>
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Congratulations AFSCME Local 18 President Dan Meehan
AFSCME Council 24 Local 18 President Dan Meehan was recently appointed to the AFSCME Corrections United National Steering Committee.
Read the appointment, in part;
Dear Brother Meehan:
I am pleased to appoint you to serve on the AFSCME Corrections United National Steering Committee. This committee provides leadership to the International Union in addressing the special interests of correctional employees. Your appointment will continue through the 2012 International Convention.
Brother Meehan also serves as an elected representative of the SPS Unit on the council executive board.
Congratulations Brother Meehan!
Read the appointment, in part;
Dear Brother Meehan:
I am pleased to appoint you to serve on the AFSCME Corrections United National Steering Committee. This committee provides leadership to the International Union in addressing the special interests of correctional employees. Your appointment will continue through the 2012 International Convention.
Brother Meehan also serves as an elected representative of the SPS Unit on the council executive board.
Congratulations Brother Meehan!
Walker allows new legislative mapping, doesn't OK actual maps yet
This news article seems to imply that Governor Scott Walker has not yet approved the actual maps drawn by the GOP. This seems so hard to believe that Walker is seeing the maps for the first time. Wisconsites have been observing for the last six months who is controlling everything and the Republicans would be hard pressed to convince us Wisconsinites that the "Fitzgerald" brothers (Sen. Scott & Rep. Jeff) had not sat down with Walker and showed him their products designed in each respective house before each house voted on the NEW MAPS. The Republicans have the majority and we have all witnessed that they DO NOT act without the blessing of their "ruler", Governor Scott Walker. So what possibly is Walker attempting to do now, trying to give us all the illusion that he may not be agreeing with his legislative busy-bee's?
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Click "HERE" to read the entire news story >>>
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Click "HERE" to read the entire news story >>>
Capitol protests turn a bit bloody
Now state employee managers are arming themselves with weapons and as described in this news article are not afraid to take the law into their own hands, or as this case seems to imply, literally into their own hands.
The State of Wisconsin employs trained and professional law enforcement officers to maintain the law and provide for safety of workers and visitors at the State Capitol, but as this news article describes a "non-represented" state employee chose to take the law into his own hands rather than summon a professional and trained law enforcement officer to handle the absolutely dangerous (stated with a smirk on my face) situation of a female citizen armed with a "balloon", possibly a "heart-shaped" balloon. (Oh my god...)
This action on the part of a state manager begs the question; "What is more dangerous, a state manager armed with a knife and apparently unable to walk and carry a knife at the same time or a female citizen holding a balloon, possibly a heart-shaped balloon?"
Is DOA the first of possibly many state departments that will no longer provide for a safe environment for workers and visitors since their IS NO LONGER a collectively bargained agreement to ensure worker safety? Absolutely ridiculous that state managers are now running around armed with deadly weapons. One has to assume that the female citizen simply was not asked; "ma'am will you please take your balloon outside"?
The issue of why balloon's have now been identified as a detriment in the State Capitol is a whole other issue in itself to be discussed at some other time.
Posted by Steven Williams (Retired State Trooper)
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Click "HERE" to read the entire news story >>>
The State of Wisconsin employs trained and professional law enforcement officers to maintain the law and provide for safety of workers and visitors at the State Capitol, but as this news article describes a "non-represented" state employee chose to take the law into his own hands rather than summon a professional and trained law enforcement officer to handle the absolutely dangerous (stated with a smirk on my face) situation of a female citizen armed with a "balloon", possibly a "heart-shaped" balloon. (Oh my god...)
This action on the part of a state manager begs the question; "What is more dangerous, a state manager armed with a knife and apparently unable to walk and carry a knife at the same time or a female citizen holding a balloon, possibly a heart-shaped balloon?"
Is DOA the first of possibly many state departments that will no longer provide for a safe environment for workers and visitors since their IS NO LONGER a collectively bargained agreement to ensure worker safety? Absolutely ridiculous that state managers are now running around armed with deadly weapons. One has to assume that the female citizen simply was not asked; "ma'am will you please take your balloon outside"?
The issue of why balloon's have now been identified as a detriment in the State Capitol is a whole other issue in itself to be discussed at some other time.
Posted by Steven Williams (Retired State Trooper)
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Click "HERE" to read the entire news story >>>
The Next Step in Wisconsin’s Disenfranchisement Agenda
Everyday Scott Walker continues to have his administration act in a manner that more and more Wisconsin residents turn against him and then he cements the anger against him everytime he opens his mouth and speaks. This man is a disgrace to our Great State and he NEEDS TO BE REMOVED from office.
Click "HERE" to read yet another news story that shows his dictorial actions >>>
Click "HERE" to read yet another news story that shows his dictorial actions >>>
Grab Your Blood Pressure Medicine Before Reading
Collective Bargaining Repeal; best thing that ever happened to Wisconsin schools
By State Senator Glenn Grothman
The repeal of much of Wisconsin’s collective bargaining law with regard to many of Wisconsin’s public employees has not been adequately explained. This repeal will do more to improve the quality and lower the cost of Wisconsin government than anything else we’ve done. There are approximately 275,000 government employees in the state of Wisconsin. About 72,000 work for the state, 38,000 for cities and villages, 48,000 for counties, 10,500 (full time equivalent) for technical collages, and 105,229 for schools.
Only half of state employees are unionized, but almost all school employees are. As you can see, the biggest impact will be on Wisconsin’s schools. Since my office has received the most complaints from school teachers, let’s look at how collective bargaining affects both the cost and quality of our schools.
Under current law, virtually all conditions of employment have to be spelled out in a collectively bargained agreement. Consequently, it is very difficult to remove underperforming school teachers. It may take years of documentation and thousands of dollars in attorney fees to fire a bad teacher. Is it right that two or three classes of second graders must endure a bad teacher while waiting for documentation to be collected? Just as damaging is the inability to motivate or change the mediocre teacher who isn’t bad enough to fire. Good superintendants are stymied when they try to improve a teacher who is doing just enough to get by.
While most teachers care about their students, some only “teach to the contract.” An elementary school teacher’s contract may require just seven hours and forty-five minutes a day in school. If the principal wants to have a meeting after school to discuss curriculum, or requests a meeting with parents of a troubled student, a teacher could say that this is not in the contract. Recall the recent flare-up when Fond du Lac teachers objected to having to work eight hour days.
Another problem affecting our schools’ quality is that payment for individual teachers is not based on merit but on a union negotiated pay schedule. A mediocre teacher with a master’s degree and additional college credits gets more money than a superior teacher who doesn’t have as many college credits. This is clearly unfair, and destroys healthy incentives that would encourage teachers to be more effective.
If enrollment drops, teachers must be let go. In practice, this means that collective bargaining causes the better teachers with less seniority to be laid off. This is another example of a union contract punishing our children.
It has been well reported that, under collective bargaining, districts have been stuck with the teacher union insurance company which can cost $3,000 or more per teacher than a plan that is virtually identical to that which another company is willing to provide. Switching to Health Savings Accounts like the private sector is out of the question.
A teacher may be entitled to thirteen paid personal days. All this for employees who may only be required to work 190 days a year in the first place. There is also the cost of time spent negotiating seventy page contracts.
Clearly, collective bargaining penalizes schools and students, costs an exorbitant amount of money, and lowers the quality of education in Wisconsin. The same story could be told for tech schools, cities, counties, and the state.
Franklin Roosevelt originally said that unions and government do not mix. After reviewing some union contracts, I can see why. Jimmy Carter, a Democrat backed by a Democratic Congress, greatly reduced collective bargaining for federal employees via the Civil Service Reform Act. Even President Obama has not tried to restore these rights. Massachusetts Democrats recently passed a bill divesting government employees of the power to collectively bargain most health-care benefits.
The cost savings will be significant at all levels of government. Cost savings to schools from having school employees pay a small part of their health insurance and pension costs more than offset the mild reduction in education funding. But, the most important benefit will be an improvement in the quality of our schools as efficiency, personal decisions, compensation decisions and methods of teaching children will not be subject to
union meddling and obstruction. Contact me if you have any opinions on the above at Sen.Grothman@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Click "HERE" to download a printer-friendly version of Glenn Grothman's Opinion >>>
By State Senator Glenn Grothman
The repeal of much of Wisconsin’s collective bargaining law with regard to many of Wisconsin’s public employees has not been adequately explained. This repeal will do more to improve the quality and lower the cost of Wisconsin government than anything else we’ve done. There are approximately 275,000 government employees in the state of Wisconsin. About 72,000 work for the state, 38,000 for cities and villages, 48,000 for counties, 10,500 (full time equivalent) for technical collages, and 105,229 for schools.
Only half of state employees are unionized, but almost all school employees are. As you can see, the biggest impact will be on Wisconsin’s schools. Since my office has received the most complaints from school teachers, let’s look at how collective bargaining affects both the cost and quality of our schools.
Under current law, virtually all conditions of employment have to be spelled out in a collectively bargained agreement. Consequently, it is very difficult to remove underperforming school teachers. It may take years of documentation and thousands of dollars in attorney fees to fire a bad teacher. Is it right that two or three classes of second graders must endure a bad teacher while waiting for documentation to be collected? Just as damaging is the inability to motivate or change the mediocre teacher who isn’t bad enough to fire. Good superintendants are stymied when they try to improve a teacher who is doing just enough to get by.
While most teachers care about their students, some only “teach to the contract.” An elementary school teacher’s contract may require just seven hours and forty-five minutes a day in school. If the principal wants to have a meeting after school to discuss curriculum, or requests a meeting with parents of a troubled student, a teacher could say that this is not in the contract. Recall the recent flare-up when Fond du Lac teachers objected to having to work eight hour days.
Another problem affecting our schools’ quality is that payment for individual teachers is not based on merit but on a union negotiated pay schedule. A mediocre teacher with a master’s degree and additional college credits gets more money than a superior teacher who doesn’t have as many college credits. This is clearly unfair, and destroys healthy incentives that would encourage teachers to be more effective.
If enrollment drops, teachers must be let go. In practice, this means that collective bargaining causes the better teachers with less seniority to be laid off. This is another example of a union contract punishing our children.
It has been well reported that, under collective bargaining, districts have been stuck with the teacher union insurance company which can cost $3,000 or more per teacher than a plan that is virtually identical to that which another company is willing to provide. Switching to Health Savings Accounts like the private sector is out of the question.
A teacher may be entitled to thirteen paid personal days. All this for employees who may only be required to work 190 days a year in the first place. There is also the cost of time spent negotiating seventy page contracts.
Clearly, collective bargaining penalizes schools and students, costs an exorbitant amount of money, and lowers the quality of education in Wisconsin. The same story could be told for tech schools, cities, counties, and the state.
Franklin Roosevelt originally said that unions and government do not mix. After reviewing some union contracts, I can see why. Jimmy Carter, a Democrat backed by a Democratic Congress, greatly reduced collective bargaining for federal employees via the Civil Service Reform Act. Even President Obama has not tried to restore these rights. Massachusetts Democrats recently passed a bill divesting government employees of the power to collectively bargain most health-care benefits.
The cost savings will be significant at all levels of government. Cost savings to schools from having school employees pay a small part of their health insurance and pension costs more than offset the mild reduction in education funding. But, the most important benefit will be an improvement in the quality of our schools as efficiency, personal decisions, compensation decisions and methods of teaching children will not be subject to
union meddling and obstruction. Contact me if you have any opinions on the above at Sen.Grothman@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Click "HERE" to download a printer-friendly version of Glenn Grothman's Opinion >>>
Commentary: Funding to Southern Wisconsin Center is outrageous
The private business seems to have their nose a little out of joint. They are furious that the State of Wisconsin funded a public service that for decades has protected and taken care of and nurtured less fortunate citizens of our society. The private business, in this case, Bethesda Lutheran Communities, seems irate that they will not be getting the public dollars to sustain and/or increase their profit margin.
The State of Wisconsin does not operate the specialty centers, meaning; Northern Centers, Central Centers and Southern Centers to make a profit, like a private business would. Instead, the Wisconsin Centers operate solely for the purpose of providing safety and dignity for the resident as the top objectives and no service, materials or goods are cut for the resident for the sake of meeting a profit goal.
Get over it Mr. John E. Bauer, President & CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Opportunities. Your private business of setting an objective of making a profit off of those in our society who need the government assistance is what is outrageous. NO PRIVATE BUSINESS in the United States should be making a profit off of American citizens who need medical help.
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Click on "share" to read the entire commentary.
The State of Wisconsin does not operate the specialty centers, meaning; Northern Centers, Central Centers and Southern Centers to make a profit, like a private business would. Instead, the Wisconsin Centers operate solely for the purpose of providing safety and dignity for the resident as the top objectives and no service, materials or goods are cut for the resident for the sake of meeting a profit goal.
Get over it Mr. John E. Bauer, President & CEO of Bethesda Lutheran Opportunities. Your private business of setting an objective of making a profit off of those in our society who need the government assistance is what is outrageous. NO PRIVATE BUSINESS in the United States should be making a profit off of American citizens who need medical help.
Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Click on "share" to read the entire commentary.
Goodbye Republican Senators!
This is uplifting, so long as you are not one of the Republican Senators up for recall. Turn up your speakers, sit back, listen, watch and enjoy...
If video does not load then follow this link: http://youtu.be/GZ-zxDRvEwo
If video does not load then follow this link: http://youtu.be/GZ-zxDRvEwo
Hesitant to Provide Banking Information Online?
Then Check This Out!
A new option to avoid sharing your financial information.
----------
Some of our union leaders report they have been told by members they will recommit to the union, but will not give out their bank account information. I am pleased to report that in response to this concern we now have an accommodation in place. It is commonly called “bill pay”. Bill pay is a way to pay your dues bi-weekly without giving your account number. Here is how it works:
1. The member must go to their financial institution and say they want their dues deducted from their account every two weeks on pay day.
2. The biweekly amount is $16.00 for those making under $13.00 an hour; and $18.00 for those making more than $13.00 an hour.
3. The financial institution should send the money to AFSCME Council 24 at 8033 Excelsior Drive Suite C, Madison, WI 53717.
4. You do not need an account number, just Council 24's name and address.
5. After individuals have signed up with their financial institutions, please make sure they fill out the recommitment form, and where it asks for financial information write “bill pay”. We can then capture the member’s information for our membership data base. Mail the form to Council 24. This is a VERY important step that cannot be skipped. We must have a way to track and communicate with members for any number of reasons. In addition, those who have already signed up and are indicated as such in our database will not be repeatedly contacted and asked to recommit.
This process gives members yet another option to recommit to their union that meets their privacy issues.
Any questions or concerns call your field staff or myself.
Jana Weaver
Assistant Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
jweaver@wseu-24.org
608-836-0024 Ext. 119
A new option to avoid sharing your financial information.
----------
Some of our union leaders report they have been told by members they will recommit to the union, but will not give out their bank account information. I am pleased to report that in response to this concern we now have an accommodation in place. It is commonly called “bill pay”. Bill pay is a way to pay your dues bi-weekly without giving your account number. Here is how it works:
1. The member must go to their financial institution and say they want their dues deducted from their account every two weeks on pay day.
2. The biweekly amount is $16.00 for those making under $13.00 an hour; and $18.00 for those making more than $13.00 an hour.
3. The financial institution should send the money to AFSCME Council 24 at 8033 Excelsior Drive Suite C, Madison, WI 53717.
4. You do not need an account number, just Council 24's name and address.
5. After individuals have signed up with their financial institutions, please make sure they fill out the recommitment form, and where it asks for financial information write “bill pay”. We can then capture the member’s information for our membership data base. Mail the form to Council 24. This is a VERY important step that cannot be skipped. We must have a way to track and communicate with members for any number of reasons. In addition, those who have already signed up and are indicated as such in our database will not be repeatedly contacted and asked to recommit.
This process gives members yet another option to recommit to their union that meets their privacy issues.
Any questions or concerns call your field staff or myself.
Jana Weaver
Assistant Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
jweaver@wseu-24.org
608-836-0024 Ext. 119
Monday, July 25, 2011
Let's Give the AFSCME Film Crew Something to Film, Will You Be There?
From: Kevin Gundlach [mailto:kgundlach.union@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2011 8:51 PM
To: Kevin Gundlach
Subject: AFSCME INTERNATIONAL is sending a camera crew to the Madison Labor Temple this week
AFSCME International is sending a CAMERA CREW to film/video AFSCME members canvassing Tuesday. They will also be at the Madison Labor Temple (MLT) Wednesday videotaping volunteers at the phone banks.
We need ALL AFSCME members to show up for AFSCME's phone bank night (Wednesday.July 27th)
CANVASSING TUESDAY (July 26th); meet at the MLT at 3 PM or 5:15 PM to carpool and canvass.
PHONE BANKING WEDNESDAY (July 27th) from 3 PM to 9 PM. Come in for a couple of hours.
Madison Labor Temple
1602 S. Park St, Rooms 104 & 109
Madison, WI
The video shot will be used nationally. Lets' stand up for our rights and be an example for all AFSCME members throughout the country on how to FIGHT BACK and WIN!
SOLIDARITY!!!
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2011 8:51 PM
To: Kevin Gundlach
Subject: AFSCME INTERNATIONAL is sending a camera crew to the Madison Labor Temple this week
AFSCME International is sending a CAMERA CREW to film/video AFSCME members canvassing Tuesday. They will also be at the Madison Labor Temple (MLT) Wednesday videotaping volunteers at the phone banks.
We need ALL AFSCME members to show up for AFSCME's phone bank night (Wednesday.July 27th)
CANVASSING TUESDAY (July 26th); meet at the MLT at 3 PM or 5:15 PM to carpool and canvass.
PHONE BANKING WEDNESDAY (July 27th) from 3 PM to 9 PM. Come in for a couple of hours.
Madison Labor Temple
1602 S. Park St, Rooms 104 & 109
Madison, WI
The video shot will be used nationally. Lets' stand up for our rights and be an example for all AFSCME members throughout the country on how to FIGHT BACK and WIN!
SOLIDARITY!!!
A Plea for Help at the Phone Banks and Canvassing
Just one to two hours a week, if the majority of us would take the time, and we could have all work shifts filled at phone banks and canvass locations around the state.
Here is a message from a Leader at the Madison Phone Bank:
From: Kevin Gundlach [mailto:kgundlach.union@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2011 10:26 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: Please read.
Greetings fellow workers & Unionists,
Last night, there was a lone volunteer at the Madison Labor Temple, a worker who does not make much. She left me a note that read, "I'D RATHER BE UNCOMFORTABLE MAKING PHONE CALLS TO PEOPLE IDENTIFIED AS SUPPORTERS THEN MAKING COLD CALLS LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT."
There's another volunteer who recently became unemployed and is currently homeless. He told me he does not want to see public service workers lose their jobs and their homes. Even though his time is stretched looking for work, he comes in all of the time and volunteers on the phones. Every day, he persuades people to vote for candidates who will support our rights.
A private sector, non-Union, low paid CNA bicycles in on weekends to the Madison Labor Temple. He carpools up to wherever we're going. He believes we should all be in a Union when working conditions are poor. He tells me he knows this is boring work, but it must get done in order for us to win back WI and do what's right for all people.
I also know this is boring work. But if everyone volunteered a mere 2 hours a week to call voters, identify and inform them about our candidates, and at the end, remind them to vote, we will win back WI and start to help our our veterans, our homeless, our low-paid & under-appreciated workers, and ourselves.
WI needs your help. Come out to the and sit, stand, and walk along side dedicated people to win back WI.
MADISON LABOR TEMPLE 1602 S. Park Street, Room 104
PHONES: Mon to Fri: 3 PM to 9 PM; Sat: 10 AM to 6 PM; Sun: 12 Noon to 8 PM
CARPOOLING: Sat: hot breakfast at 9 AM and meet at the Labor Temple at 9:30 AM and Sun: meet at the Madison Labor Temple at 11 AM
Bring a friend, call up some co-workers, and let's sit, side by side, next to others who are non-union, and who are fighting for us.
There is less than 3 weeks left until the big election to turn our formerly great State of WI around.
Thank you, we hope to see you at the phone banks and SOLIDARITY!
Kevin Gundlach
Union 'thug' and worker
Here is a message from a Leader at the Madison Phone Bank:
From: Kevin Gundlach [mailto:kgundlach.union@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2011 10:26 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: Please read.
Greetings fellow workers & Unionists,
Last night, there was a lone volunteer at the Madison Labor Temple, a worker who does not make much. She left me a note that read, "I'D RATHER BE UNCOMFORTABLE MAKING PHONE CALLS TO PEOPLE IDENTIFIED AS SUPPORTERS THEN MAKING COLD CALLS LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT."
There's another volunteer who recently became unemployed and is currently homeless. He told me he does not want to see public service workers lose their jobs and their homes. Even though his time is stretched looking for work, he comes in all of the time and volunteers on the phones. Every day, he persuades people to vote for candidates who will support our rights.
A private sector, non-Union, low paid CNA bicycles in on weekends to the Madison Labor Temple. He carpools up to wherever we're going. He believes we should all be in a Union when working conditions are poor. He tells me he knows this is boring work, but it must get done in order for us to win back WI and do what's right for all people.
I also know this is boring work. But if everyone volunteered a mere 2 hours a week to call voters, identify and inform them about our candidates, and at the end, remind them to vote, we will win back WI and start to help our our veterans, our homeless, our low-paid & under-appreciated workers, and ourselves.
WI needs your help. Come out to the and sit, stand, and walk along side dedicated people to win back WI.
MADISON LABOR TEMPLE 1602 S. Park Street, Room 104
PHONES: Mon to Fri: 3 PM to 9 PM; Sat: 10 AM to 6 PM; Sun: 12 Noon to 8 PM
CARPOOLING: Sat: hot breakfast at 9 AM and meet at the Labor Temple at 9:30 AM and Sun: meet at the Madison Labor Temple at 11 AM
Bring a friend, call up some co-workers, and let's sit, side by side, next to others who are non-union, and who are fighting for us.
There is less than 3 weeks left until the big election to turn our formerly great State of WI around.
Thank you, we hope to see you at the phone banks and SOLIDARITY!
Kevin Gundlach
Union 'thug' and worker
Less Fortunate Employees Instructed To Stay Home Without Pay Because Governor Scott Walker Will be Touring the Facility
You are invited to greet Governor Scott Walker as he speaks at and tours the facility of Opportunities, Inc of Jefferson County. His tour should not have any obstacles as it is rumored that the "challenged" employees who normally work at Opportunities, Inc. have been instructed to stay home, without pay.
Help us greet Governor Scott Walker as he arrives at Opportunities, Inc. in Fort Atkinson, WI.
WALKER In Fort Atkinson
Thursday, July 28, 2011 4:15pm to 7pm
Opportunities Inc.
200 E. Cramer St., Fort Atkinson, WI
----------
With the information about Diversified Personnel Services (part of OIC) this place is nothing more than a sweat shop. There shouldn’t be any hesitation about demonstrating. For what it’s worth the employees at OIC-DPS have been told that they are not to report to work on the day that Walker is there and Oh by the way, you won’t be paid for the day. Please distribute to your leadership and others so that we can protest Sweat Shop Scotty.
Read the Organizations 1099 Forms:
> Summary Report for Years of 2007, 2008 & 2009
> Form 990 Year 2007
> Form 990 Year 2008
> Form 990 Year 2009
Help us greet Governor Scott Walker as he arrives at Opportunities, Inc. in Fort Atkinson, WI.
WALKER In Fort Atkinson
Thursday, July 28, 2011 4:15pm to 7pm
Opportunities Inc.
200 E. Cramer St., Fort Atkinson, WI
----------
With the information about Diversified Personnel Services (part of OIC) this place is nothing more than a sweat shop. There shouldn’t be any hesitation about demonstrating. For what it’s worth the employees at OIC-DPS have been told that they are not to report to work on the day that Walker is there and Oh by the way, you won’t be paid for the day. Please distribute to your leadership and others so that we can protest Sweat Shop Scotty.
Read the Organizations 1099 Forms:
> Summary Report for Years of 2007, 2008 & 2009
> Form 990 Year 2007
> Form 990 Year 2008
> Form 990 Year 2009
CWAG & WIARA Hosting Several Recall Candidate Forums
Let your voice be heard by attending one of the candidate forums.
The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and the Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans are hosting various statewide Recall Candidate Forums in Wisconsin.
Please join us for an informational discussion on state issues and programs affecting retirees, seniors and our children and grandchildren. Find out where candidates stand on these important issues and programs.
* Medicare & Medicaid
* Family Care
* SeniorCare
* Internet Sales Tax
* Corporate Spending on Political Campaigns
* Tax cuts and increases
* Voter ID Requirements
Please let your voice be heard and become a more informed voter by attending one of the following candidate forums:
State Senate District 18 - July 28th
Randy Hopper - Republican (Incumbent) & Jessica King - Democrat
Oshkosh Senior Center
200 N. Campbell Road, Oshkosh, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 2 - August 1st
Robert Cowles - Republican (Incumbent) & Nancy Nusbaum - Democrat
Brown County Library Auditorium
515 Pine Street, Green Bay, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Candidate Forum
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters - Greater Green Bay
State Senate District 8 - August 2nd
Alberta Darling - Republican (Incumbent) & Sandy Pasch - Democrat
Washington Park Senior Center
4420 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 14 - August 2nd
Luther Olsen - Republican (Incumbent) & Fred Clark - Democrat
Al Ringling Theater
136 Fourth Avenue, Baraboo, WI
6:00 p.m. Doors Open
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 32 - August 4th
Dan Kapanke - Republican (Incumbent) & Jennifer Shilling - Democrat
La Crosse Public Library
800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 12 - August 5th
Jim Holperin - Democrat (Incumbent) & Kim Simac - Republican
Oneida Senior Center
1103 Thayer Street, Rhinelander, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 22 - August 12th
Robert Wirch - Democrat (Incumbent) & Fred Ekornaas / Jonathan Steitz - Republicans
Location - TBD (check www.cwag.org for current information)
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
For More Information Contact:
John Hendrick, GovernmentalAffairs Director at the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
(608)446-4842 or jhendrick@cwag.org
Billy Feitlinger, Executive Director at Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (414)771-9511 or
bfeitlinger@hotmail.com
The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and the Wisconsin Alliance of Retired Americans are hosting various statewide Recall Candidate Forums in Wisconsin.
Please join us for an informational discussion on state issues and programs affecting retirees, seniors and our children and grandchildren. Find out where candidates stand on these important issues and programs.
* Medicare & Medicaid
* Family Care
* SeniorCare
* Internet Sales Tax
* Corporate Spending on Political Campaigns
* Tax cuts and increases
* Voter ID Requirements
Please let your voice be heard and become a more informed voter by attending one of the following candidate forums:
State Senate District 18 - July 28th
Randy Hopper - Republican (Incumbent) & Jessica King - Democrat
Oshkosh Senior Center
200 N. Campbell Road, Oshkosh, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 2 - August 1st
Robert Cowles - Republican (Incumbent) & Nancy Nusbaum - Democrat
Brown County Library Auditorium
515 Pine Street, Green Bay, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Candidate Forum
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters - Greater Green Bay
State Senate District 8 - August 2nd
Alberta Darling - Republican (Incumbent) & Sandy Pasch - Democrat
Washington Park Senior Center
4420 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 14 - August 2nd
Luther Olsen - Republican (Incumbent) & Fred Clark - Democrat
Al Ringling Theater
136 Fourth Avenue, Baraboo, WI
6:00 p.m. Doors Open
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 32 - August 4th
Dan Kapanke - Republican (Incumbent) & Jennifer Shilling - Democrat
La Crosse Public Library
800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 12 - August 5th
Jim Holperin - Democrat (Incumbent) & Kim Simac - Republican
Oneida Senior Center
1103 Thayer Street, Rhinelander, WI
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
State Senate District 22 - August 12th
Robert Wirch - Democrat (Incumbent) & Fred Ekornaas / Jonathan Steitz - Republicans
Location - TBD (check www.cwag.org for current information)
9:30 a.m. Doors Open
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Candidate Forum
For More Information Contact:
John Hendrick, GovernmentalAffairs Director at the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
(608)446-4842 or jhendrick@cwag.org
Billy Feitlinger, Executive Director at Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (414)771-9511 or
bfeitlinger@hotmail.com
Summertime Is A Great Time, but in Wisconsin It Unfortunately Means Work
The Scott Walker Administration and the Wisconsin Legislative Majority have taken a great deal from Wisconsin Working Families in just their FIRST SIX MONTHS of POWER. It is utterly scary to think of what they will do before Christmas time rolls around.
If you are like us at SEPAC, really MAD about these people and their selfish and destructive measures then please give us an hour or two or more if you can and help at any one of the canvass locations below.
Thank you for the consideration.
----------
CANVASS LOCATIONS:
Northeast Wisconsin Region
· Green Bay (SD 2)
2256 Main Street
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12pm, 3pm
Office Phone #920-469-1944
Email: GBnortheast@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Kaukauna (SD2)
We Are Wisconsin, 131 E.2nd St.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 3pm
Office Phone #920-469-1944
Email: GBnortheast@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Rhinelander (SD12)
We Are Wisconsin, 315 South Oneida Ave., Suite 215
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday - 12Noon
Office Phone # 715-513-9515
Email: SD12@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Merrill (SD12)
We Are Wisconsin, 1018 ½ E. Main
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday – 12Noon
Office Phone # 715-513-9515
Email: SD12@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Northwestern Wisconsin Region
· Hudson (SD10)
901 4th Street, #101
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday – 12Noon
Email: sd10@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· River Falls (SD10)
111 West Walnut St.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon 2pm and 4pm
Email: sd10@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Menomonie (SD10)
105 N. 21st Street
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon, 2pm and 4pm
Email: sd10@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Central Wisconsin
· Baraboo (SD14)
We Are Wisconsin Office, 215 8th Ave.
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday – 1pm
Email: Sd14@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Waupaca (SD14)
Waupaca Public Library (Parking Lot), 107 South Main St.
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday – 1pm
Email: Sd14@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Ripon (SD 14)- Office
311 Watson Ave.
Saturday- 10am and 1pm
Sunday- 1pm
Email: Sd14@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Wautoma (SD 14)
Saturday-1pm
Email: SD14@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Fond du Lac (SD18)
Winnebagoland Uniserv, 325 Trowbridge Dr.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 4pm
Office Phone #920-215-1634
Email: SD18@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Oshkosh (SD18)
105 Washington Ave.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 4pm
Office Phone #920-215-1634
Email: SD18@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Milwaukee Region
· Milwaukee (SD8)
We are WI, 6918 W. Brown Deer Rd.
Saturday – 10am-6pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 6pm
Office Phone #414-581-6112
Email: SD8@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Milwaukee Area Labor Council, 633 S. Hawley Road
Saturday – 9am-4pm
Office Phone #414-771-7070 x12
Email: SD8@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Southeastern Wisconsin Region
· Kenosha (SD22)
UAW Local 72, 3615 Washington Rd.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 3pm
Email: sd22@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Southwestern Wisconsin Region
· Madison
Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park Street
Saturday – 9:30am – 6pm
Sunday – 11am – 8pm
Office Phone #608-206-9451
Email: wawmadison@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· La Crosse (SD32)
423 Jay Street
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 3pm
Email: sd32@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
If you are like us at SEPAC, really MAD about these people and their selfish and destructive measures then please give us an hour or two or more if you can and help at any one of the canvass locations below.
Thank you for the consideration.
----------
CANVASS LOCATIONS:
Northeast Wisconsin Region
· Green Bay (SD 2)
2256 Main Street
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12pm, 3pm
Office Phone #920-469-1944
Email: GBnortheast@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Kaukauna (SD2)
We Are Wisconsin, 131 E.2nd St.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 3pm
Office Phone #920-469-1944
Email: GBnortheast@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Rhinelander (SD12)
We Are Wisconsin, 315 South Oneida Ave., Suite 215
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday - 12Noon
Office Phone # 715-513-9515
Email: SD12@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Merrill (SD12)
We Are Wisconsin, 1018 ½ E. Main
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday – 12Noon
Office Phone # 715-513-9515
Email: SD12@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Northwestern Wisconsin Region
· Hudson (SD10)
901 4th Street, #101
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday – 12Noon
Email: sd10@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· River Falls (SD10)
111 West Walnut St.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon 2pm and 4pm
Email: sd10@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Menomonie (SD10)
105 N. 21st Street
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon, 2pm and 4pm
Email: sd10@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Central Wisconsin
· Baraboo (SD14)
We Are Wisconsin Office, 215 8th Ave.
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday – 1pm
Email: Sd14@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Waupaca (SD14)
Waupaca Public Library (Parking Lot), 107 South Main St.
Saturday – 10am and 1pm
Sunday – 1pm
Email: Sd14@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Ripon (SD 14)- Office
311 Watson Ave.
Saturday- 10am and 1pm
Sunday- 1pm
Email: Sd14@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Wautoma (SD 14)
Saturday-1pm
Email: SD14@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Fond du Lac (SD18)
Winnebagoland Uniserv, 325 Trowbridge Dr.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 4pm
Office Phone #920-215-1634
Email: SD18@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· Oshkosh (SD18)
105 Washington Ave.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 4pm
Office Phone #920-215-1634
Email: SD18@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Milwaukee Region
· Milwaukee (SD8)
We are WI, 6918 W. Brown Deer Rd.
Saturday – 10am-6pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 6pm
Office Phone #414-581-6112
Email: SD8@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Milwaukee Area Labor Council, 633 S. Hawley Road
Saturday – 9am-4pm
Office Phone #414-771-7070 x12
Email: SD8@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Southeastern Wisconsin Region
· Kenosha (SD22)
UAW Local 72, 3615 Washington Rd.
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 3pm
Email: sd22@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
Southwestern Wisconsin Region
· Madison
Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park Street
Saturday – 9:30am – 6pm
Sunday – 11am – 8pm
Office Phone #608-206-9451
Email: wawmadison@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
· La Crosse (SD32)
423 Jay Street
Saturday – 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Sunday – 12Noon and 3pm
Email: sd32@allianceforabetterwi.org
http://bit.ly/onlinesignupforWAW
"We Are Wisconsin" New Ad Update
Wisconsin Democrats are now within striking distance of taking back control of the state Senate and putting the brakes on Scott Walker’s out-of-control agenda in Madison. As momentum continues to build behind efforts to flip the chamber, we’ve entered the home stretch towards the critical August 9th elections against 6 GOP senators whose careers are now on the line for blindly following Walker and rubberstamping his extreme agenda. To continue our drive to the finish, We Are Wisconsin has released a series of new ads in Republican districts last week, and will continue to communicate aggressively with voters between now and Election Day. With recent polling data suggesting Democrats have pulled even or slightly ahead in races they’ve previously trailed, new ads are now up in SD 8 vs. Alberta Darling, in SD 10 vs. Sheila Harsdorf, in SD 14 vs. Luther Olsen, and in SD 18 vs. Randy Hopper. All spots are running on both broadcast and cable in their respective media markets.
View the ads at: http://www.youtube.com/user/WeareWisconsinPAC
View the ads at: http://www.youtube.com/user/WeareWisconsinPAC
Next Stops on the Wisconsin Truth Tour
July 25 – Monday (TODAY)
· SD 22 - Kenosha - Rally & Canvass Kickoff - 5:00 p.m. - UAW Local 72 - 3615 Washington Road, Kenosha, WI
July 26 – Tuesday
· SD 8 - Milwaukee
o Meeting with Local Labor Leaders & Activists - 3:30 p.m. - Milwaukee Area Labor Council - 633 S. Hawley Road, Milwaukee, WI
o BBQ, Rally & Canvass Kickoff - 4:30 p.m. - Milwaukee Area Labor Council - 633 S. Hawley Road, Milwaukee, WI
August 1 – Monday
· SD 32 - La Crosse - Rally & Canvass Kickoff - 5:30 pm. - Cameron Park - Corner of King & 4th Street - La Crosse
August 2 – Tuesday
· SD 10 - Hudson – Meeting with Local Labor Leaders & Activists - 5:30 p.m. - We Are Wisconsin Office - 901 4th Street #101
Learn more about the "Truth Tour" and other activities related to the Wisconsin Recalls >>>
· SD 22 - Kenosha - Rally & Canvass Kickoff - 5:00 p.m. - UAW Local 72 - 3615 Washington Road, Kenosha, WI
July 26 – Tuesday
· SD 8 - Milwaukee
o Meeting with Local Labor Leaders & Activists - 3:30 p.m. - Milwaukee Area Labor Council - 633 S. Hawley Road, Milwaukee, WI
o BBQ, Rally & Canvass Kickoff - 4:30 p.m. - Milwaukee Area Labor Council - 633 S. Hawley Road, Milwaukee, WI
August 1 – Monday
· SD 32 - La Crosse - Rally & Canvass Kickoff - 5:30 pm. - Cameron Park - Corner of King & 4th Street - La Crosse
August 2 – Tuesday
· SD 10 - Hudson – Meeting with Local Labor Leaders & Activists - 5:30 p.m. - We Are Wisconsin Office - 901 4th Street #101
Learn more about the "Truth Tour" and other activities related to the Wisconsin Recalls >>>
DOT Distributes - Effect on WRS Benefits as Result of 2011 Wis. Act's 10 & 32
From: Sarver, Randy - DOT
Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2011 8:16 AM
To: DOT DL Messaging Users
Subject: Department of Employee Trust Funds - FAQs
This message is being sent to all WisDOT Messaging Users. Please do not reply to all.
The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) has published a document regarding Recent Changes to Your WRS Benefits on their Web site. This includes a list of frequently asked questions/answers (FAQs). Attached is a link to this document. This document provides the most up-to-date information on changes to health insurance contributions/payments, as well as the increase in retirement contributions for some employees.
http://etf.wi.gov/news/changes_to_your_WRS_Benefits.pdf
Employees are encouraged to continue to visit this link regularly for any updates. If significant updates are made to the document, we will email employees and provide the link again.
The ETF document is currently 16-pages long. For efficiencies and cost-savings, please be mindful and do no unnecessarily print the entire document. Thank you.
Randy T. Sarver
Human Resources Director
WisDOT - Bureau of Human Resource Services
randy.sarver@dot.wi.gov
Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2011 8:16 AM
To: DOT DL Messaging Users
Subject: Department of Employee Trust Funds - FAQs
This message is being sent to all WisDOT Messaging Users. Please do not reply to all.
The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) has published a document regarding Recent Changes to Your WRS Benefits on their Web site. This includes a list of frequently asked questions/answers (FAQs). Attached is a link to this document. This document provides the most up-to-date information on changes to health insurance contributions/payments, as well as the increase in retirement contributions for some employees.
http://etf.wi.gov/news/changes_to_your_WRS_Benefits.pdf
Employees are encouraged to continue to visit this link regularly for any updates. If significant updates are made to the document, we will email employees and provide the link again.
The ETF document is currently 16-pages long. For efficiencies and cost-savings, please be mindful and do no unnecessarily print the entire document. Thank you.
Randy T. Sarver
Human Resources Director
WisDOT - Bureau of Human Resource Services
randy.sarver@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin: Walker Shuts Down DMV Offices in Democratic Areas After Passing Voter ID Law
"Gov. Scott Walker’s administration is working on finalizing a plan to close as many as 10 offices where people can obtain driver’s licenses in order to expand hours elsewhere and come into compliance with new requirements that voters show photo IDs at the polls.
One Democratic lawmaker said Friday it appeared the decisions were based on politics, with the department targeting offices for closure in Democratic areas and expanding hours for those in Republican districts. [...] Rep. Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, called on the state Department of Transportation to reconsider its plants to close the Fort Atkinson DMV center. The department plans to expand by four hours a week the hours of a center about 30 minutes away in Watertown. [...]
“What the heck is going on here?” Jorgensen said. “Is politics at play here?”"
Click "HERE" to read the entire news story >>>
One Democratic lawmaker said Friday it appeared the decisions were based on politics, with the department targeting offices for closure in Democratic areas and expanding hours for those in Republican districts. [...] Rep. Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, called on the state Department of Transportation to reconsider its plants to close the Fort Atkinson DMV center. The department plans to expand by four hours a week the hours of a center about 30 minutes away in Watertown. [...]
“What the heck is going on here?” Jorgensen said. “Is politics at play here?”"
Click "HERE" to read the entire news story >>>
Public Debate Scheduled for Waupaca (Senate District 14 - Clark vs. Olsen)
Senate District 14 Debate
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Event Description
Senate District 14 Debate
July 27th 6:30 pm; Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center
Facilitator: Craig Kantos
Time Keeper: Bill Zimmerman
Format: Opening Statements 3 minutes
Questions: Each candidate will have 3 minutes to answer. The candidate who was asked the question first will have 1 ½ minutes for rebuttal following second candidates answer. Questions will rotate between candidates. The public will be able to submit questions in writing to our jury panel for consideration and rewriting or wording.
Closing statements: Each candidate will have 3 minutes.
No signs or demonstrations will be allowed in the building.
Location
Waupaca High School
E2325 King Road
Waupaca WI 54981
Forum Hosted by the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce
Review this event on Facebook >>>
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Event Description
Senate District 14 Debate
July 27th 6:30 pm; Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center
Facilitator: Craig Kantos
Time Keeper: Bill Zimmerman
Format: Opening Statements 3 minutes
Questions: Each candidate will have 3 minutes to answer. The candidate who was asked the question first will have 1 ½ minutes for rebuttal following second candidates answer. Questions will rotate between candidates. The public will be able to submit questions in writing to our jury panel for consideration and rewriting or wording.
Closing statements: Each candidate will have 3 minutes.
No signs or demonstrations will be allowed in the building.
Location
Waupaca High School
E2325 King Road
Waupaca WI 54981
Forum Hosted by the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce
Review this event on Facebook >>>
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Personal Appeal from an AFSCME Leader on Why To Join The Fight
Written by; Bill Brockmiller, Chair
AFSCME Local 2748 Chapter 10
07-09, 09-11 PSS Bargaining Team
DWD Labor Management Team
07/20/2011
As many of you are aware, the employer stopped deducting union dues from our paychecks (last union dues deduction appeared on the July 14th paycheck). Nevertheless, the union will continue to operate and continue to be the voice of reason and fairness in the workplace.
These protections and representations don’t just happen by magic – they happen due to the hard work of the volunteer army, your union brethren. Nor does it happen without expense, the union, like any organization, requires funds to operate.
The union needs you, yes you, to remain active and diligent. And if you haven’t signed up for post July 14th union dues deduction; you need to do so now.
The way I see it, the many good reasons to continue to support the union can be condensed to three:
1. Employment insurance
Most of us carry car insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and homeowners/renters insurance to help insolate our lives from unexpected loss. Even with insurance, I’m quite happy as the months go by that I don’t have to make a car or homeowners insurance claim – I don’t want to collect, I just want that peace of mind that comes with insurance.
I’m just as concerned about employment. As we transition from a collectively bargained discipline procedure to “Wisconsin Civil Service Code” I need to know that someone is in my corner if I need them. I’ve been a steward long enough to know that not all investigations are warranted and that all are innocent unless proven guilty (but not always treated that way).
My payment of dues is employment insurance. I know that the union will be there if I’m falsely accused of workplace misconduct. Under the civil service code it costs $700 to take an action to the commission – a fee that the union will pay for paying members in good standing. Union dues are my insurance that I won’t have to go it alone at some future point if falsely accused of workplace wrong doing.
2. The protection of what we have and the recovery of what we’ve lost isn’t going to happen by itself
As “dynamic status quo” fades into the sunset this October, so might go local agreements on overtime (in adjudication, in probation & parole, and in other units), vacation scheduling, flexible scheduling, and alternative work patterns. Who else but the union can fight for retaining these agreements? Individually, our voices are soft and easy to mute, collectively we can work together to keep what we have and regain what we’ve lost.
Without standardized agreements, one worker might get overtime approved for “X” amount of work, and another working might have to wait until “Y” amount of work in order to get overtime. In will come a system wrought with the potential for inconsistency and error. Your work life left to chance.
Whether the fight is in Madison, at the ballot box, or in the media – we need a strong united front to recover what’s been taken away from us and to protect what we still cling to. We ask for a fair and equitable workplace – and we need to be united and supportive so we can find those who will work with us to bring about that fair and equitable workplace.
3. Having a say
Make no mistake about it, we’ll get back what we’ve lost – we’ll protect what we still have and we’ll rise strong and united. And as the union goes through this process, paying members will be at the forefront of shaping this rebirth. Paying members will get to vote on leadership and policy. Paying members will be provided the inside scoops and all the latest news. Paying members will be on the front lines as the situation unfolds. Everyone else will be watching from the cheap seats.
Protect your job. Insure fair and equal treatment. Join the fight today!
Click Here to Join the Fight!
In Solidarity,
Bill Brockmiller
AFSCME 2748 Chapter 10 Chair
07-09, 09-11 PSS Bargaining Team
DWD Labor Management Team
Click "HERE" to download a printer-friendly version of this post >>>
AFSCME Local 2748 Chapter 10
07-09, 09-11 PSS Bargaining Team
DWD Labor Management Team
07/20/2011
As many of you are aware, the employer stopped deducting union dues from our paychecks (last union dues deduction appeared on the July 14th paycheck). Nevertheless, the union will continue to operate and continue to be the voice of reason and fairness in the workplace.
These protections and representations don’t just happen by magic – they happen due to the hard work of the volunteer army, your union brethren. Nor does it happen without expense, the union, like any organization, requires funds to operate.
The union needs you, yes you, to remain active and diligent. And if you haven’t signed up for post July 14th union dues deduction; you need to do so now.
The way I see it, the many good reasons to continue to support the union can be condensed to three:
1. Employment insurance
Most of us carry car insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and homeowners/renters insurance to help insolate our lives from unexpected loss. Even with insurance, I’m quite happy as the months go by that I don’t have to make a car or homeowners insurance claim – I don’t want to collect, I just want that peace of mind that comes with insurance.
I’m just as concerned about employment. As we transition from a collectively bargained discipline procedure to “Wisconsin Civil Service Code” I need to know that someone is in my corner if I need them. I’ve been a steward long enough to know that not all investigations are warranted and that all are innocent unless proven guilty (but not always treated that way).
My payment of dues is employment insurance. I know that the union will be there if I’m falsely accused of workplace misconduct. Under the civil service code it costs $700 to take an action to the commission – a fee that the union will pay for paying members in good standing. Union dues are my insurance that I won’t have to go it alone at some future point if falsely accused of workplace wrong doing.
2. The protection of what we have and the recovery of what we’ve lost isn’t going to happen by itself
As “dynamic status quo” fades into the sunset this October, so might go local agreements on overtime (in adjudication, in probation & parole, and in other units), vacation scheduling, flexible scheduling, and alternative work patterns. Who else but the union can fight for retaining these agreements? Individually, our voices are soft and easy to mute, collectively we can work together to keep what we have and regain what we’ve lost.
Without standardized agreements, one worker might get overtime approved for “X” amount of work, and another working might have to wait until “Y” amount of work in order to get overtime. In will come a system wrought with the potential for inconsistency and error. Your work life left to chance.
Whether the fight is in Madison, at the ballot box, or in the media – we need a strong united front to recover what’s been taken away from us and to protect what we still cling to. We ask for a fair and equitable workplace – and we need to be united and supportive so we can find those who will work with us to bring about that fair and equitable workplace.
3. Having a say
Make no mistake about it, we’ll get back what we’ve lost – we’ll protect what we still have and we’ll rise strong and united. And as the union goes through this process, paying members will be at the forefront of shaping this rebirth. Paying members will get to vote on leadership and policy. Paying members will be provided the inside scoops and all the latest news. Paying members will be on the front lines as the situation unfolds. Everyone else will be watching from the cheap seats.
Protect your job. Insure fair and equal treatment. Join the fight today!
Click Here to Join the Fight!
In Solidarity,
Bill Brockmiller
AFSCME 2748 Chapter 10 Chair
07-09, 09-11 PSS Bargaining Team
DWD Labor Management Team
Click "HERE" to download a printer-friendly version of this post >>>
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