608/836-0024
Fax 608/836-0222
Website http://wseu-24org
Bill
Fendel, President
Mirth
Dear
Sisters & Brothers:
It has been awhile since we have given you a full status report of the bargaining
processforthe2003-2005contract. Your bargaining teams spent considerable time over the last several months working
on language issues. We have made significant
improvements in areas such as layoff protections, medical
terminations, light duty, grievance
procedure, contracting out, transfer provisions, pay progressions for some
select classes, and implementation of some class surveys. There are still a few
non-economic issues unresolved that the bargaining teams are dealing with.
During the course of the past two weeks we were able to get a — look at what the state was willing to put on the table in
terms of the economics. While the across the board increase (0% + 1%) did not
change, there were some additional monies (10 cents per hour) offered that would help defray the cost of
health insurance premiums. Health insurance premiums were reduced from the
original offer to the following:
Year l Year 2
$17.00— $42.50 $22.00—
$55.00
$46.00 - $115.00 $50.00- $125.00
$100.00- $250.00 $100.00 - $250.00
Pension
contribution increases would be picked up
the employer. There would be an addition eight-hour floating holiday (in recognition of Veterans
Day).
Your bargaining teams thoroughly reviewed the entire package
(economic and non-economic), discussed ft at great length, and felt that
the state’s latest
position was not enough to close the deal.
The bargaining teams have
all returned back to their job sites effective
11/24/03 and are prepared to
immediately return to the
bargaining table if there are any changes
in position. We are not at impasse; ft is that significant progress is very slow in coming.
The
bargaining teams will also be taking a “pulse” of their respective membership
regarding the contract As we have continually reported in the Weekly Summary,
now is the time that we need to be more unified and — with one voice, rather than allow “Monday morning
quarterbacks” to run the show.
Your bargaining teams are well grounded in the economic realities of the state,
and certainly are not holding to positions that are untenable. Talk to your
bargainers; support your bargainers. All of us moving in the same direction is
an important component to our
success. Thanks for your interest, patience and concern during these difficult
times.
Yours
in the
Martin Beil Bill Fendel
Executive Director President
P.S. Tune into the Wisconsin Badger men’s televised basketball games
starting November 29th to see the Union’s new televised message. The ads will
run twice during each televised game for nine games.