Friday, August 26, 2011

WisPolitics.com: Records from Supreme Court incident

WisPolitics.com: Records from Supreme Court incident

Protesters march to Wisconsin Capitol to mark first reduced paycheck under Walker - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Protesters march to Wisconsin Capitol to mark first reduced paycheck under Walker - Isthmus The Daily Page

Top Walker aide Archer takes leave of absence - JSOnline

We have know for many months that Governor Scott Walker lacks "integrity" on top of many other qualities, but now things are beginning to look very fishy in his Administration. Governor Scott Walker's Administration is presently connected to a major "John Doe" investigation.

Top Walker aide Archer takes leave of absence - JSOnline

13 protesters arrested, carried out of Capitol rotunda - JSOnline

Shame on Governor Scott Walker and Republican Leaders, Senator Scott Fitzgerald and Representative Jeff Fitzgerald for creating such frustration amongst Wisconsinites. These protesters ARE NOT criminals, yet the present Wisconsin Republican leadership creates the environment to fuel the frsutration and anger and then uses the law enforcement power to make these victims of the repeated abuse look like criminals.

Cheif Tubbs and the Capitol Police Officers are doing what we the taxpayers hired them to do, enforce laws, but it is unfortunate that they have to follow the almost criminal instructions of the Wisconsin Republican leadership.

13 protesters arrested, carried out of Capitol rotunda - JSOnline

Messmer school locks damaged hours before Walker's visit - JSOnline

So the assumption is made that "protesters" damaged the schools locks. There is one proven fact in Wisconsin that everyone seems to forget, Governor Scott Walker admitted in a phone conversation with a David Koch imposter that he had considered planting instigators of violence into protest crowds at the capitol. Could Governor Scott Walker not have planted a vandal to cause damage to the school in order for the media to report that "protesters" caused this unfortunate damage? It is worth considering.

Messmer school locks damaged hours before Walker's visit - JSOnline

Prosser admits touching Bradley's neck; she says she suffered no harm - JSOnline

Justice Prosser admits "touching" Justice Bradley's neck. The dictionary describes "touching" as; adj. Eliciting or capable of eliciting sympathy or tenderness., prep. Concerning; about. Now this begs that million dollar question; was he "violenting" assaulting Justice Bradley or was he "sexually" assaulting" Justice Bradley?

The bottom-line here is; Justice Prosser should not be "touching" any person unless the "touching" is invited by the other person. There also should have been NO INCIDENT that he was engaged in that he should have to admit he "touched" her in the neck area. Period! I for one have lost my respect for Justice David Prosser and actually I lost that respect with his tirade of how he addressed Chief Justice Abrahamson in the past.

I am not so certain if a recall of Justice Prosser would be successful or if voters of Wisconsin would want to use up precious resources to make an effort to have him recalled, but one thing seems very clear to me, Justice David Prosser is no longer worthy of wearing the robe of one of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Justices. He should retire or resign from office, but he most likely will not make that decision on his own.

Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO

Prosser admits touching Bradley's neck; she says she suffered no harm - JSOnline

The Associated Press: No choking charges for Wis. Supreme Court justice

The Associated Press: No choking charges for Wis. Supreme Court justice

Chris Rickert: Who said life is supposed to be fair?

While this author does, in my opinion, a good job at outlining how the lawsuit filed by the WSEU, on behalf of its "members" originated and why it was introduced to the courts. What the author of this article fails to observe or to point out, is that an "agreement" was reached between the "employees" and the "employer" regarding the application of furlough days. This "agreement" called for uniformity in the application of furlough days, essentially meaning no "employee" will receive any different treatment as a result of these furlough days, than any other "employee" represented by any other Union in the State of Wisconsin.

Unfortunately, Mr. Rickert is attemtping to imply in his article that "employees" represented by the WSEU are not being fair to the taxpayers, again forgetting that these union members are taxpeyers as well, and are now just being little children crying over the fact that Daddy gave something to Billy and I want it to.

Mr. Rickert, thank you for the clarity, but you hit a foul ball when you changed the tone of your article to that of state employees represented by the WSEU are now whining. State employees represented by the WSEU and all other Unions for that matter are taxpayers as well and all that is being asked for in this lawsuit that you reference is fairness. It is that simple, state employees represented by the WSEU want fairness. Soemthing that they have not witnessed or felt under the Scott Walker Administration.

Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
swilliams@wseu-24.org

Chris Rickert: Who said life is supposed to be fair?

Conservatives can’t stop buying into the myth of what happened in Wisconsin - The Plum Line - The Washington Post

Here is Wisconsin we are seeing firsthand that it is the blood of Republicans, to lie, not tell the truth, mislead a person's way of thinking... Nicely written opinion though.

Conservatives can’t stop buying into the myth of what happened in Wisconsin - The Plum Line - The Washington Post

Thank you AFSCME Local's 171, 383, 1449, 2412 & Others

Yesterday was a very active day all across Wisconsin with AFSCME members wearing AFSCME green to work, at home and in their communities.

In addition, some local unions like Local's 171 and 2412 at the University of Wisconsin Madison Campus fired members up by providing them with great grilled brats and other food and then marched everyone to the State Capitol for a huge rally.

Local's 383 and 1449 continued their quest of pushing for membership signup's so that our FIGHT CAN CONTINUE. At Volk Field, more than two-dozen state employees attended a Union Information Update and Membership Signup session. The session was actually consumed by the membership who seemed to have taken over the session and many were voicing their call to fellow co-workers present that they needed to REJOIN THE FIGHT. These members actually stayed for more than two-hours after work, enjoyed pizza and soda pop and then began the process of REJOINING THE FIGHT.

Absolutely great job yesterday and a special thanks to Local's 171 & 2412 for their activity in Madison and Local's 383 and 1449 and many others around the state that conducted membership drives.

It is getting apparent everyday, AFSCME members are angry and now their paychecks are smaller and in many cases, "painfully" smaller. but they will not take this lying down and they want to REJOIN THE FIGHT!

Thank you to Everyone!

REJOIN THE FIGHT ONLINE >>>

This Labor Day we need protest marches rather than parades - CSMonitor.com

There is a very reasonable point being made by the writer of this article. We have seen first-hand here in Wisconsin that Labor Day truly is not something to celebrate, it is a time to continue to protest the atrocities that Wisconsin Republicans are doing to Wisconsin's working families.

This Labor Day we need protest marches rather than parades - CSMonitor.com

WisPolitics.com: Sen. Fitzgerald: Announces Senate committee changes

Observation: Senate Majority Leader is attempting to makes things right with Senator Dale Schultz by appointing him chair of a senate committee.

WisPolitics.com: Sen. Fitzgerald: Announces Senate committee changes

Thursday, August 25, 2011

AFL-CIO leader distances labor movement from Democrats - Political Hotsheet - CBS News

AFL-CIO leader distances labor movement from Democrats - Political Hotsheet - CBS News

Workers’ Compensation celebrates 100 years

Give the Republicans one more year and they may destroy a life-saving benefit from Wisconsin working families. REJOIN THE FIGHT and help keep the Republicans from changing this workers protection law and to regain every thing else that they have already stoledn from the working families.

Workers’ Compensation celebrates 100 years

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Shilling resignation letter

Now this is a great "resignation" letter. Thank you to everyone who helped make this "resignation" happen. Congratulations Senator Jennifer Shilling!

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Shilling resignation letter

WisPolitics.com: Supreme Court Chief Justice Abrahamson: Statement re: Special prosecutor investigation

WisPolitics.com: Supreme Court Chief Justice Abrahamson: Statement re: Special prosecutor investigation

WisPolitics.com: Supreme Court Justice Prosser: Statement re: Special prosecutor investigation

WisPolitics.com: Supreme Court Justice Prosser: Statement re: Special prosecutor investigation

WisPolitics.com: Supreme Court Justice Bradley: Statement re: Special prosecutor investigation

WisPolitics.com: Supreme Court Justice Bradley: Statement re: Special prosecutor investigation

Our view: Appointment smacks of cronyism

This is a very unusual editorial from a newspaper that traditionally leans to the conservative side. Could it be that Scott Walker is so out of bounds that he is leaving potential supporters behind and/or having them question his decisions and actions? We think so, Scott Walker is wrong at just about every corner he turns and some in the media are beginning to see just that.

Our view: Appointment smacks of cronyism

Trumka: Unions Thriving in Wisconsin! | The Weekly Standard

Unions are thriving and members are REJOINING to CONTINUE THE FIGHT! We are seeing union members wanting to fight back in order to WIN BACK what Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Republicans have stolen from them. Union members are saying they will not take this lying down.

Trumka: Unions Thriving in Wisconsin! The Weekly Standard

Special prosecutor: No charges for Prosser, Bradley in fracas - JSOnline

More on the shameful conduct of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser.

Special prosecutor: No charges for Prosser, Bradley in fracas - JSOnline

Spotlight on State Senator Dale Schultz

Spotlight on State Senator Dale Schultz (R-17).

WisPolitics.com: Sauk Co. DA Barrett: Letter to Dane Co. Judge Foust and DA Ozanne re: Supreme Court investigation

This seems to be a shame. Someone did not tell the truth. Either Justice Anne Walsh Bradley was grabbed around the throat area by Justice David Prosser or she was not. Well, I guess we all have to remember, we were not there when this alleged event took place and an investigation by law enforcement is all we have to reply on and have to accept.

One thing still seems to exist though, even though no charges will be filed in this incident, is that Justice David Prosser seems to have some serious anger issues and seems to appear to be unable to maintain his professionalism as one of our state's supreme justices.

Justice David Prosser will not resign his 10-year elected seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and a recall, at least in my eyes, is not a viable option for this seat. So the question lingers within the Wisconsin Supreme Court, how does the Court maintain safety for other jurists from the explosive and in some instances, violent actions of Justice David Prosser?

Posted by Steven Williams
Political Education Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO

WisPolitics.com: Sauk Co. DA Barrett: Letter to Dane Co. Judge Foust and DA Ozanne re: Supreme Court investigation

Open 95th race still GOP-free; Harter says he’s not running

Open 95th race still GOP-free; Harter says he’s not running

WisPolitics.com: DC Wrap: Johnson says Social Security should be easy entitlement fix

U.S. Senator Johnson is a millionaire. He is calling for changes to social security that address raising the retirement age and the benefits provided and he says no one wants to talk about those things.

What he IS NOT talking about and the rich DO NOT want to talk about is raising the income cap for contributing to social security. As it stands right now, social security taxes are paid on ONLY the first $104,000, or a figure in that area, of income. Millionaire's like Sen. Johnson benefit greatly from that cap. Raising that cap would greatly enhance, if not eliminate altogether, any concerns with social security solvency. Ask U.S. Senator Johnson WHY HE WILL NOT talk about that reform to strengthen social security for decades to come.

WisPolitics.com: DC Wrap: Johnson says Social Security should be easy entitlement fix

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Hot Piping Pizza for Members of Local 1449 at Volk Field on Thursday

Volk Field and surrounding area AFSCME Council 24 members, Join Us and REJOIN THE FIGHT!

Thursday, 25 August 2011 @ 3:30pm - 5:00pm

AFSCME Local 1449 Information Sharing Session
Classroom D, Building 475, Volk Field
Camp Douglas, WI

Please join us for pizza, updates on the legal battles and the latest info from the Union’s efforts in restoring your rights and stopping the attacks on Public Employees. View the event flyer >>>

Contact Person: Steven Williams at (608) 487-2424
swilliams@wseu-24.org

Reminder for Members of AFSCME Local 383

Thursday, August 25, 2011 @ 12:00pm - 2:00pm

AFSCME Local 383 Membership Drive
UW - Stout (Main Campus)
Robert S. Swanson Learning Center (East Wing), Room 206, Corner of 10th Ave. & 3rd St. East
Menomonie, WI

There will be an informal open forum providing answers for currently represented members of WSEU. Pizza will be provided.

Contact Person: Carolyn Kaiser at (715) 579-1881
ckaiser@wseu-24.org

Reminder for Those Members of Local's 171 & 2412 (UW - Madison)

Thursday, 25 August 2011 @ 11:00am - 1:00pm

AFSCME Local 171 & 2412 Membership Drive
UW - Madison
Library Mall on Langdon St.
Madison, WI

Brats will be sizziling on the grill and served, bring your own beverage. At 4:30pm there will be a "Solidarity March" starting at the Library Mall up State St. to the State Capitol and then subsequent "Solidarity" Rally.

Contact Person: Barb Peters at (608) 262-3948
CHEYENNENDUSTY@aol.com

State releases list of top financial scams

The ONLY financial scam that failed to make the top ten list or the list at all, was Scott Walker's financial scam of screaming that Wisconsin was headed for financial disaster if he did not take away collective bargaining from public employees. Lets not forget that he admitted at a U.S Congressional Hearing that the stripping of collective bargaining rights from public employees in Wisconsin had nothing to do with the money. It was that testimony that brought truth to one of the largest financial scam's in Wisconsin history.

Shame on you Scott Walker!

State releases list of top financial scams

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Richards, Sen. Erpenbach: Study shows Wisconsin better off with health care reform

The Republicans, both on the State and Federal level have for decades danced around the issue of Health Care Reform and yet in today's world, even the Walker Administration, (no surprise here) do not want to address the issue. Today's Republicans are clearly in support of society's elite and because of that they do not need health insurance reform. They could care less if the less fortunate have affordable health care.

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Richards, Sen. Erpenbach: Study shows Wisconsin better off with health care reform

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Zamarripa: Statement in opposition of Assembly Bill 222

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Zamarripa: Statement in opposition of Assembly Bill 222

Don't Forget to Support Solidarity Day on Thursday, August 25th

FRIENDLY REMINDER: Wear AFSCME Green tomorrow, Thursday, August 25th. This is a show of Solidarity as most state employees in Wisconsin see the Walker Administration begin to balance the state budget on their backs. Check the Council 24 or SEPAC website Calendar of Events for special events on Thursday.

Another Round in State's War With Unions

Your Union may no longer have collective bargaining, but it has the will, the stamina and the resources to take on the Walker Administration in the courts. Scott Walker's courtroom battle history with AFSCME District Council 48 while he was Milwaukee County Executive proved daunting for Walker as he lost every legal battle to AFSCME District Council 48, to date. AFSCME Council 24 hopes for much of the same.

AFSCME Council 24, Wisconsin State Employees Union is dedicated to continue the fight against the repressive administration of Scott Walker for the benefit of its "members". Are you one of those "members", have you "REJOINED" the fight? Your Union, AFSCME Council 24, Wisconsin State Employees Union, has introduced all of its legal battles to the courts on behalf of its "members" ONLY.

Click "Courthouse News Service" to read this news story >>>

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

AFL-CIO launching "super labor PAC" - CBS News

AFSCME Council 24 SEPAC Note: As all of you have witnessed and felt, firsthand, here in Wisconsin and now in several states across America, labor unions are fighting for their very existence to continue their tradition of protecting and improving the lives of organized workers and non-organized workers.

That fight, while it has been at the "bargaining" table and in the political arena in the past is now clearly shifting strongly to the political arena. Labor unions need to now take the fight for workers rights and dignity to everyone in the political arena. This means now spending and receiving political funds outside of the union membership.

Because Federal and Wisconsin State Laws DO NOT permit the use of union dues money for political activity, a strong Union needs to create a "Super-PAC". Here in Wisconsin you saw the absolute effectiveness of "We Are Wisconsin" a coalition of major unions and other special interest organizations that engaged to a tremendous extent in the nine recall elections.

As public employees we are in a position to "elect" our bosses. We have learned our lesson about allowing our political beliefs make the choice for us at the ballot box. We now know, more than ever, we must vote for candidates that are truthful to our issues and that promise the working families that they will fight everyday while in office to protect them in the workplace and to provide them with the financial needs to live comfortably and safely.

If our Union is to make change from the destruction that Scott Walker and other Wisconsin Republicans have done in just eight short months, then WE ALL need to start by "REJOINING THE FIGHT" and collectively we need to speak out and push back against those elected officials who strive to diminish the standing of public employees.

It is being said, "STAND UP, SIGN UP & SPEAK OUT!" Defy Scott Walker and other Wisconsin Republicans by recommitting to your Union. The Union is nothing more than the "collective" voice of many. A Union IS NOT STRONG by a single leader, a Union IS STRONG by the collective voice of many...

AFL-CIO launching "super labor PAC" - CBS News

You Are Invited to the Swearing-In of Senator-Elect Jess King


You are cordially invited to
Senator-elect King’s Swearing-in ceremony

Friday, August 26, @ 1:00pm
Leach Ampitheather
303 Ceape Avenue, Oshkosh

The Honorable Shirley S. Abrahamson, Presiding



Wisconsin governor names former legislator as new railroad commissioner | The Republic

Remember former Democratic State Senator Jeff Plale, the "non-democrat"? His action against your tentative state employee contract has now landed him two, not one, decent wage paying jobs within the Walker Administration. Of course he is only working one job, but it is the point that he is earning much more in state wages now then if he had remained a state senator.

Wisconsin governor names former legislator as new railroad commissioner The Republic

Conservative group to launch Thompson attack ad - Houston Chronicle

Republicans are vicious little carnivorous creatures and they obviously "eat" their own. Are there any Republicans that can be trusted?

Former Governor and President George W. Bush appointee, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson now under attack by conservatives? Nuts!

Conservative group to launch Thompson attack ad - Houston Chronicle

Union sues for pay lost in furloughs

If this lawsuit prevails to the satisfaction of the WSEU and there is a monetary award to the "members", will you be a member and have already rejoined the fight?

Union sues for pay lost in furloughs

Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission drafts bargaining rules

AFSCME Council 24 SEPAC Note: The rules established by Scott Walker's anti-collective bargaining law pertain ONLY to those Unions that wish to be certified as the bargaining agent for a specific group of employees. Because the anti-collective bargaining law removed collective bargaining from most public employees and all state employees represented by AFSCME Council 24 except for wages, capped by the CPI, your Union will remain as your Union Representative, but we will not seek certification or follow the "unconstitutional" Walker Rules. WE ARE NOT REQUIRED TO FOLLOW THESE RULES in order to still effectively be the representative of "dues-paying" members as it relates to all other matters outside of negotiations for wages.

Please contact your local union president or Council 24 Field Staff Representative with any questions.

Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission drafts bargaining rules

Impact of union measure takes hold - JSOnline

Thursday, August 25th is AFSCME Green Day. Remember to wear your AFSCME Green to work and/or to create and wear a black arm band.

This Thursday, state employee pay day, Scott Walker starts taking from your paycheck to pay for the massive tax breaks given earlier this year to corporations and to fund "his" Charter Schools rather than public schools.

SHAME!

Impact of union measure takes hold - JSOnline

After mixed success in recalls, Democrats reflect on what's next - JSOnline

After mixed success in recalls, Democrats reflect on what's next - JSOnline

Police called to heated Greenfield School Board meeting - JSOnline

Scott Walker HAS NOT strengthened the State of Wisconsin. This news story shows the "DIVISION" Walker has created.

Police called to heated Greenfield School Board meeting - JSOnline

Monday, August 22, 2011

Attention Council 24 Retirees - Information Page for Your Resource - Chacek It Out!

AFSCME Council 24 ADDS a "Retiree Information" page to their website. Check it out >>>

You're invited to hear Economist Dean Baker Sept 14 and 15

This is a "Union" supported invitation from the Institute for Wisconsin's Future. If you have an interest in this type of discussion you are encouraged to attend. The cost is FREE.

You're invited to hear Economist Dean Baker Sept 14 and 15

Wisconsin's photo ID law for voters to face lawsuit - JSOnline

Wisconsin's photo ID law for voters to face lawsuit - JSOnline

Public employees deserve thanks for helping county cut health costs

Public employees deserve thanks for helping county cut health costs

Wisconsin recall sparked labor-community coalition

A huge thank you to AFSCME Local 82 President Gilbert Johnson for his and his memberships work in building a community coalition to fight for a specific cause. In this case, it was the recall of a state senator who was blatantly demonizing public employees and economically destroying public employees, lower income and seniors in Wisconsin.

In Prairie du Chien, AFSCME Local 903 President Adam Sutter and his local union membership said they had enough with the attacks on them and seeing similar classes of people in their community being depressed by Scott Walker and his followers and they too, stepped forward and called for and created a community-wide coalition that worked tirelessly for many weeks to do their part to change the face of senate representation.

AFSCME Local Unions can be a huge part of community coalitions and together can accomplish improvements for a community, wether it be the size of Milwaukee or as small as Prairie du Chien. These two local unions have proven that great things can be done when everyone is willing to do their part in helping make it happen.

Thank you AFSCME Local's 82 & 903.

Wisconsin recall sparked labor-community coalition