AFT-W Local 395
WITC Faculty Union Update
December 2011
Employee Handbook Survey Results
In November, the Union surveyed both faculty and OTS employees about the new WITC Employee handbook. While there were many questions and concerns raised about the handbook - mostly about the fact that it’s not complete - three major issues were raised more often than any others: what’s going to happen to retiree benefits, what will happen to our health insurance in the long-term, and what’s the status of our salary scales (step increases, pay for further education, and longevity pay)?
Faculty members have now formed committees to come up with ideas and questions about these issues, and plan on raising them with administration in January, at the start of the new semester. We’ll keep you posted on how those meetings progress and what comes out of them. If you’ve got a particular question about any of those issues, or others, talk to a union rep at your campus.
Recertification Vote – maybe in January?We reported last month that Local 395 has filed its petition for the newly required annual recertification of the union – a new necessary step for the union to remain the official bargaining agent for faculty at WITC. There was a slight chance that the recertification election might have occurred in 2011, but now it’s looking more likely in January or possibly February. It seems that the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) is swamped with other recertification elections. More info about the timing and the process – which will be different than anything we’ve seen before – will be coming to you as soon as we learn about it.
Recall of Governor Walker Skating Right Along
Petitions to force a recall are being signed at a steady clip through out the state, and all indicators point to enough signatures by the deadline on January 13th. If you haven’t signed the petitions yet and want to, or want to help gather signatures, just go to AFT-W’s webpage: www.aft-wisconsin.org and click on the Recall Walker link. Your help is needed and greatly appreciated.
Tech College Local Unions to Meet in late January
Tech College local unions from across the state – faculty as well as support staff - will be meeting in late January to discuss what’s happening on various campuses and talk about what they’re doing to maintain their working conditions as contracts expire. At the fall 2011 meeting, unions from 14 Tech College Districts presented reports and learned about activities at other colleges. A good chance to see what your colleagues are doing – more information will be available in early January.
Next All-Campus ITV Meeting: Tuesday, January 31, 2012
More Details Coming Soon
Wisconsin Indianhead Federation of Teachers
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
AFT-Wisconsin invites you to a Solidarity Social!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Badger Brew Express, 405 S. Main, Rice Lake, WI 54868
6:00-7:30pm
AFT-Wisconsin members, family, friends, kids, and members of the public are invited to attend a social event to find out what our union is doing and how to get involved in the recall efforts!
Recall organizers will be in attendance to provide information about local recall activities and to circulate petitions. Food will be served.
Contact Jessica Stender at stender@aft-wisconsin.org with any questions and to RSVP.
Also, please invite any other union members/fellow travelers on campus or in your personal circles. This is open to members of the public, so family, friends, and neighbors are all welcome.
If you have already signed the petition, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to be a petition circulator. I think this will be a great opportunity to get together, talk about the future plans for the union, and you will be able to ask questions about our political program and other union activities.
Hope to see you there.
Todd
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Badger Brew Express, 405 S. Main, Rice Lake, WI 54868
6:00-7:30pm
AFT-Wisconsin members, family, friends, kids, and members of the public are invited to attend a social event to find out what our union is doing and how to get involved in the recall efforts!
Recall organizers will be in attendance to provide information about local recall activities and to circulate petitions. Food will be served.
Contact Jessica Stender at stender@aft-wisconsin.org with any questions and to RSVP.
Also, please invite any other union members/fellow travelers on campus or in your personal circles. This is open to members of the public, so family, friends, and neighbors are all welcome.
If you have already signed the petition, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to be a petition circulator. I think this will be a great opportunity to get together, talk about the future plans for the union, and you will be able to ask questions about our political program and other union activities.
Hope to see you there.
Todd
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Local 395 Autumn Update
Update on Local 395 Faculty Union’s Activities
Recertification Petition for AFT-W Local 395 Has Been FiledOur Local filed for recertification with the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC), and we’re expecting to hear from WERC soon on when the election will be scheduled. It’s almost certain to be a telephone election – that is, you’ll be casting your vote by phone over about a three-week period.
Many more details about the election, and why we’re seeking your YES vote, will be forthcoming once we hear from WERC, along with a complete look at the voting process, which is new to us all. Stay tuned.
Last Chance to Express Your Opinions on Handbook Survey We’re in the final days of collecting feedback from faculty about the College’s new Employee Handbook. There’s an on-line survey you can take to let us know what concerns or questions you have about the handbook, and you can find that survey at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/3t3k33z
We’ll be tallying survey results and raising questions and concerns with the College in the upcoming weeks. Take a few minutes to complete the survey.
Wage Settlement Ratification: Cast Your BallotAll current Local 395 members should have received their ballots for ratification of the wage settlement reached with the College this fall. The 1.6% wage increase is retroactive to July 1, 2011. Please vote!
College Offers Options for Health Insurance PlansAs the College explains the health insurance plans that will be available to us next year, we’re glad to see that we’re being offered an option, since that was the message the Union has been giving the College since we sat down to negotiate way back in the spring. Thanks to all who helped us get that point across to the College, and thanks to the College for listening.
Walker Recall Campaign Starts SoonSometime in the next week, the campaign to recall Governor Walker gets underway, with an all-out effort to get over half-a-million signatures from Wisconsin voters, and force a recall election sometime in 2012. AFT-W will be involved in that effort, along with literally hundreds of other unions and community groups throughout the state. While there may not be any recall activities happening on our campuses or workplaces, we urge all faculty to get involved in whatever way they feel is appropriate during this historic campaign. Anyone looking for more recall information or looking for ways to help can visit AFT-W’s website at www.aft-wisconsin.org
Next All-Campus Faculty Union Meeting Coming Week After ThanksgivingWe’re working on setting up an all-campus faculty union meeting for Tuesday November 29, 11:30 to 12:30. Keep the date for now, and we’ll confirm the meeting soon!
Keep Up-to-Date with the Union at our website and our blog site. Check us out at AFT 395 Blog site http://aft395.blogspot.com/ or AFT 395 Web site http://wi.aft.org/003950/
Recertification Petition for AFT-W Local 395 Has Been FiledOur Local filed for recertification with the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC), and we’re expecting to hear from WERC soon on when the election will be scheduled. It’s almost certain to be a telephone election – that is, you’ll be casting your vote by phone over about a three-week period.
Many more details about the election, and why we’re seeking your YES vote, will be forthcoming once we hear from WERC, along with a complete look at the voting process, which is new to us all. Stay tuned.
Last Chance to Express Your Opinions on Handbook Survey We’re in the final days of collecting feedback from faculty about the College’s new Employee Handbook. There’s an on-line survey you can take to let us know what concerns or questions you have about the handbook, and you can find that survey at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/3t3k33z
We’ll be tallying survey results and raising questions and concerns with the College in the upcoming weeks. Take a few minutes to complete the survey.
Wage Settlement Ratification: Cast Your BallotAll current Local 395 members should have received their ballots for ratification of the wage settlement reached with the College this fall. The 1.6% wage increase is retroactive to July 1, 2011. Please vote!
College Offers Options for Health Insurance PlansAs the College explains the health insurance plans that will be available to us next year, we’re glad to see that we’re being offered an option, since that was the message the Union has been giving the College since we sat down to negotiate way back in the spring. Thanks to all who helped us get that point across to the College, and thanks to the College for listening.
Walker Recall Campaign Starts SoonSometime in the next week, the campaign to recall Governor Walker gets underway, with an all-out effort to get over half-a-million signatures from Wisconsin voters, and force a recall election sometime in 2012. AFT-W will be involved in that effort, along with literally hundreds of other unions and community groups throughout the state. While there may not be any recall activities happening on our campuses or workplaces, we urge all faculty to get involved in whatever way they feel is appropriate during this historic campaign. Anyone looking for more recall information or looking for ways to help can visit AFT-W’s website at www.aft-wisconsin.org
Next All-Campus Faculty Union Meeting Coming Week After ThanksgivingWe’re working on setting up an all-campus faculty union meeting for Tuesday November 29, 11:30 to 12:30. Keep the date for now, and we’ll confirm the meeting soon!
Keep Up-to-Date with the Union at our website and our blog site. Check us out at AFT 395 Blog site http://aft395.blogspot.com/ or AFT 395 Web site http://wi.aft.org/003950/
Thursday, November 3, 2011
We are conducting a survey about the WITC Employee Handbook. The link for the survey is http://tinyurl.com/3t3k33z.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Discussion of the Vermont’s Health Care for All Law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Gail Francis
Blue Hills Solidarity Network
(715) 945-2164
gailmfrancis@yahoo.com
Discussion of the Vermont’s Health Care for All Law
The Blue Hills Solidarity Network is hosting a discussion about Vermont’s recently-enacted universal healthcare law, which has made Vermont the first state to move toward a single payer healthcare system. Jonathon Kissam of the Vermont Workers’ Center will offer a presentation on the Healthcare Is a Human Right Campaign--the grassroots movement that made this pioneering legislation possible. The presentation will take place at the Rice Lake Public Library on Sunday, July 10, at 7:00 p.m. A discussion on how we might work towards universal health care in Wisconsin will follow.
“The work of the Healthcare Is a Human Right Campaign has put Vermont on a path to a system in which every Vermonter can get the healthcare they need when they need it, and the financing of that system is shared equitably by all,” says Kissam, one of the chief strategists of the winning campaign. “This is a huge step forward, not just for our state, but for our nation. We hope that this will spread throughout the country, just like Vermont’s other pioneering actions -- the abolition of slavery and the establishment of universal public education.”
The new law, signed by Gov. Shumlin on May 26, 2011, states that Vermont will create a publicly financed health care system, Green Mountain Care. Green Mountain Care will provide comprehensive, high-quality coverage for all Vermont residents as a public good, regardless of income, health status, or employment. Green Mountain Care will be implemented once the requirements of the federal health reform law have been fulfilled, along with several other conditions. The Vermont legislature will decide about the financing of the system and the health benefits package by 2013.
“By moving toward a publicly financed health care system based on human rights principles, the people of Vermont are setting a powerful example for the rest of the country,” said Anja Rudiger, program director at the National Economic and Social Rights Initiative, a national non-profit organization. “This achievement is the result of an emerging grassroots organizing model that is inclusive, led by the people and based on human rights principles, not on money and special interests.”
The lecture is being presented as part of the Blue Hills Solidarity Network’s Forward Thinking Lecture Series.
Background:
Vermont Workers’ Center
http://www.workerscenter.org
The New York Times, June 6, 2011: Vermont’s Move Toward Single Payer Health Insurance
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/06/vermonts-move-toward-single-payer-health-insurance/
First Universal Health Care Bill in U.S. Marks Success of Vermont's Human Rights Movement (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anja-rudiger/first-universal-health-ca_b_858721.html
"Adventure In Democracy," op-ed from Montpelier Times-Argus:
http://workerscenter.org/adventureindemocracy
Feature from Seven Days magazine:
http://7dvt.com/2011vermont-workers-center
Contact:
Gail Francis
Blue Hills Solidarity Network
(715) 945-2164
gailmfrancis@yahoo.com
Discussion of the Vermont’s Health Care for All Law
The Blue Hills Solidarity Network is hosting a discussion about Vermont’s recently-enacted universal healthcare law, which has made Vermont the first state to move toward a single payer healthcare system. Jonathon Kissam of the Vermont Workers’ Center will offer a presentation on the Healthcare Is a Human Right Campaign--the grassroots movement that made this pioneering legislation possible. The presentation will take place at the Rice Lake Public Library on Sunday, July 10, at 7:00 p.m. A discussion on how we might work towards universal health care in Wisconsin will follow.
“The work of the Healthcare Is a Human Right Campaign has put Vermont on a path to a system in which every Vermonter can get the healthcare they need when they need it, and the financing of that system is shared equitably by all,” says Kissam, one of the chief strategists of the winning campaign. “This is a huge step forward, not just for our state, but for our nation. We hope that this will spread throughout the country, just like Vermont’s other pioneering actions -- the abolition of slavery and the establishment of universal public education.”
The new law, signed by Gov. Shumlin on May 26, 2011, states that Vermont will create a publicly financed health care system, Green Mountain Care. Green Mountain Care will provide comprehensive, high-quality coverage for all Vermont residents as a public good, regardless of income, health status, or employment. Green Mountain Care will be implemented once the requirements of the federal health reform law have been fulfilled, along with several other conditions. The Vermont legislature will decide about the financing of the system and the health benefits package by 2013.
“By moving toward a publicly financed health care system based on human rights principles, the people of Vermont are setting a powerful example for the rest of the country,” said Anja Rudiger, program director at the National Economic and Social Rights Initiative, a national non-profit organization. “This achievement is the result of an emerging grassroots organizing model that is inclusive, led by the people and based on human rights principles, not on money and special interests.”
The lecture is being presented as part of the Blue Hills Solidarity Network’s Forward Thinking Lecture Series.
Background:
Vermont Workers’ Center
http://www.workerscenter.org
The New York Times, June 6, 2011: Vermont’s Move Toward Single Payer Health Insurance
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/06/vermonts-move-toward-single-payer-health-insurance/
First Universal Health Care Bill in U.S. Marks Success of Vermont's Human Rights Movement (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anja-rudiger/first-universal-health-ca_b_858721.html
"Adventure In Democracy," op-ed from Montpelier Times-Argus:
http://workerscenter.org/adventureindemocracy
Feature from Seven Days magazine:
http://7dvt.com/2011vermont-workers-center
Friday, June 17, 2011
Become a Vote Leader in Senate District 10
Become a Vote Leader! Attend a meeting at Ready Randy's on Thursday, June 23. RSVP's required. Click on the title link to see the details.
AFT Solidarity Picnic & Recall Canvassing - Saturday, June 18 in Menomonie
Click on the title and it will take you to the Google doc poster/information :)
Monday, June 13, 2011
District 10 Rally & Music Jam Set for Saturday, June 25 in Siren
Click on the title to see the details and it will take you to a Google doc. :)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Update: Our Unions at WITC
What is the status of the ‘budget repair’ bill? When will it become law?
As of right now – May 20 – the budget repair bill is not law, because a District Court has issued an injunction preventing it from taking effect. That injunction could be lifted by the Supreme Court, which would likely make the law effective, or the injunction could be extended to some point in the future. The legislature can still revote, and pass the bill again, this time after giving the proper notice, and that would likely make the law effective. While no one knows for sure what will happen, or when, we expect the bill to become effective some time in June of this year.
As you probably already know, when the bill becomes effective all public employees, including Tech College faculty and support staff, will be subject to the increased costs for pensions and health care. The budget repair bill also rescinds most of public employees’ legislative right to bargain, leaving only the right to bargain very limited wage increases.
However, being a union has never been about the legislative ‘right to bargain’. It’s about our collective voice and our ability to work together collectively to bring about change. We will still have the ability to organize ourselves on our campuses and work places to advocate for ourselves on many important issues. Since the law is not in effect, our union is bargaining under the existing law. If the union and College can reach an agreement before the law takes effect, that agreement would be a legitimate contract. But as you know, the College’s Board has not been willing to come to agreement with the union so far, in spite of considerable concessions offered by both unions, and we don’t see then changing their mind anytime soon.
If the College refuses to come to an agreement, and the law takes effect, how will bargaining work under the new law with such severe restrictions?
Even with such ridiculous restrictions, Tech College unions can still advocate and organize around issues, and demand to meet to discuss these issues with administrations. We will have the ability, as a union, to meet with administration and come to an understanding around almost every issue that a legal collective bargaining agreement would cover.
There is a long history of this kind of “negotiation” both nationally and in Wisconsin, in which teachers and other public employees negotiated binding agreements with their employers prior to gaining legal bargaining rights in 1959. In such a system, our right to bargain comes not from legislation, but from our union’s mandate. Such a mandate comes from wide-ranging support for the union in its activities and its positions vis-a-vis the College. It will also require a high membership rate going forward – we must be able to show that our union is the voice for faculty and support staff at WITC.
Why should I continue as a member in the union if we no longer can bargain as we did before?
As discussed above, even without full bargaining rights, we can still meet, negotiate, and advocate on issues with administration. We intend to do that. But beyond that, our union is our vehicle for making the political change needed to move forward from Walker’s power grab. Our plan is to build on the energy of the rallies and protests in our community, in Madison, and all around the state over the last several weeks. In the next few months, we’ll participate in several recall campaigns to win a Senate majority that will support collective bargaining and workers’ rights. We’ll continue to strengthen our coalition with other unions, organizations, and citizens who stand with us for our rights. And we’ll pursue a long-term campaign to reclaim real bargaining rights and protect the high quality, accessible technical education that Wisconsin is known for.
Why should I still pay dues after getting a substantial pay cut?
This is definitely a hard time to be a public employee – we’re all facing anywhere from an 8 to 12% pay cut because of the Governor’s budget repair bill. But unless we come together right now, we’ll never have the ability to regain our full bargaining rights and bargain again for fair compensation and benefits, and we won’t have the membership we need to negotiate with the administration from a position of strength. We need to pool our efforts, our experience – and our resources – to have the power we’ll need to restore Wisconsin’s commitment to worker rights.
How will I pay dues, if it’s not possible to pay them through payroll deduction?
Our Local is working on ways to make paying your dues as easy and safe as possible. You will likely have the option of paying through a bank draft – a regular deduction from your checking account at your bank – or by using your credit card. Either way, you can rest assured your financial information will be treated safely and securely. By paying your dues, you’ll be doing your part to keep our union strong and vibrant, and to make sure Walker’s plan to penalize public employees while giving breaks to his corporate buddies doesn’t succeed.
Now is the time to recommit as a member of the union and help us protect what we’ve earned at WITC.
As of right now – May 20 – the budget repair bill is not law, because a District Court has issued an injunction preventing it from taking effect. That injunction could be lifted by the Supreme Court, which would likely make the law effective, or the injunction could be extended to some point in the future. The legislature can still revote, and pass the bill again, this time after giving the proper notice, and that would likely make the law effective. While no one knows for sure what will happen, or when, we expect the bill to become effective some time in June of this year.
As you probably already know, when the bill becomes effective all public employees, including Tech College faculty and support staff, will be subject to the increased costs for pensions and health care. The budget repair bill also rescinds most of public employees’ legislative right to bargain, leaving only the right to bargain very limited wage increases.
However, being a union has never been about the legislative ‘right to bargain’. It’s about our collective voice and our ability to work together collectively to bring about change. We will still have the ability to organize ourselves on our campuses and work places to advocate for ourselves on many important issues. Since the law is not in effect, our union is bargaining under the existing law. If the union and College can reach an agreement before the law takes effect, that agreement would be a legitimate contract. But as you know, the College’s Board has not been willing to come to agreement with the union so far, in spite of considerable concessions offered by both unions, and we don’t see then changing their mind anytime soon.
If the College refuses to come to an agreement, and the law takes effect, how will bargaining work under the new law with such severe restrictions?
Even with such ridiculous restrictions, Tech College unions can still advocate and organize around issues, and demand to meet to discuss these issues with administrations. We will have the ability, as a union, to meet with administration and come to an understanding around almost every issue that a legal collective bargaining agreement would cover.
There is a long history of this kind of “negotiation” both nationally and in Wisconsin, in which teachers and other public employees negotiated binding agreements with their employers prior to gaining legal bargaining rights in 1959. In such a system, our right to bargain comes not from legislation, but from our union’s mandate. Such a mandate comes from wide-ranging support for the union in its activities and its positions vis-a-vis the College. It will also require a high membership rate going forward – we must be able to show that our union is the voice for faculty and support staff at WITC.
Why should I continue as a member in the union if we no longer can bargain as we did before?
As discussed above, even without full bargaining rights, we can still meet, negotiate, and advocate on issues with administration. We intend to do that. But beyond that, our union is our vehicle for making the political change needed to move forward from Walker’s power grab. Our plan is to build on the energy of the rallies and protests in our community, in Madison, and all around the state over the last several weeks. In the next few months, we’ll participate in several recall campaigns to win a Senate majority that will support collective bargaining and workers’ rights. We’ll continue to strengthen our coalition with other unions, organizations, and citizens who stand with us for our rights. And we’ll pursue a long-term campaign to reclaim real bargaining rights and protect the high quality, accessible technical education that Wisconsin is known for.
Why should I still pay dues after getting a substantial pay cut?
This is definitely a hard time to be a public employee – we’re all facing anywhere from an 8 to 12% pay cut because of the Governor’s budget repair bill. But unless we come together right now, we’ll never have the ability to regain our full bargaining rights and bargain again for fair compensation and benefits, and we won’t have the membership we need to negotiate with the administration from a position of strength. We need to pool our efforts, our experience – and our resources – to have the power we’ll need to restore Wisconsin’s commitment to worker rights.
How will I pay dues, if it’s not possible to pay them through payroll deduction?
Our Local is working on ways to make paying your dues as easy and safe as possible. You will likely have the option of paying through a bank draft – a regular deduction from your checking account at your bank – or by using your credit card. Either way, you can rest assured your financial information will be treated safely and securely. By paying your dues, you’ll be doing your part to keep our union strong and vibrant, and to make sure Walker’s plan to penalize public employees while giving breaks to his corporate buddies doesn’t succeed.
Now is the time to recommit as a member of the union and help us protect what we’ve earned at WITC.
Questions&Answers about union dues
Questions and Answers about Dues
AFT-W Local 395, WITC May 2011
With all the changes that we and our union are now facing, we’ve received many questions from members about the future of the union. Some of these questions are about union dues. Your union dues are an important investment in the future of our union, and we take our stewardship role with dues money very seriously. It’s important that members understand how their dues are used and why they’re needed to help build our union.
How are our dues set?
Dues rates are set by members of the union. State and national dues are set by members at state and national conventions. Our local dues were set when we wrote our constitution. We set the local rate to allow us to have the resources needed for our local union in good times and in bad times.
How much are our dues?
Full dues are $23.00/twice-a-month ($46 month), and half-dues are $11.50/twice-a-month.
Where does our dues money go; what are our dues used for?
The basic idea of a union is about uniting people and resources to make us stronger. Dues are one of those resources. They help pay for everything we do, including negotiating contracts, representing employees in disputes, training members on how to be effective leaders and organizers, communicating with members about our work and educating members about workplace as well as legislative issues that are important to us and that affect our jobs and our pocketbooks. Our dues pay for the assistance we get from our AFT-W staff and for the research and training that AFT is able to provide.
Dues go to national AFT, to AFT-Wisconsin, to the local union, and also to the area AFL-CIO, the umbrella union organization.
The national part is about $16/month. We get all kinds of support from AFT National, including research, organizing and legal help, educational conferences, training programs and more. During the current struggle here in Wisconsin, National AFT has been supporting us more than ever, with additional staff and money to help us in the fight against Walker’s anti-public employee campaign.
AFT-Wisconsin gets about $23/month. This pays for field staff that work with our local unions to negotiate agreements and resolve workplace disputes and problems and build local union strength, communications, legislative work, as well as training and educational programs for members.
About $1/month goes to the area AFL-CIO, to support and help coordinate union activities and programs in our region of the state. These may be about legislative issues important to working families, or training and support programs for a variety of unions.
The balance stays in our local union treasury to support expenses related to sending our own members to training programs and conferences and pay for local expenses related to meetings, events, negotiations, arbitrations, etc.
Can dues be lowered, since we won’t be able to bargain under the new law?
There are plenty of things our union will be doing even if we lose many bargaining rights under the ridiculous new law. Read on to see what some of those things are. As for reducing dues, dues levels are set by union members at conventions, both at the state and national level. So, state and national dues levels could be changed at a future convention. But keep in mind, we’ll be using more national resources than ever before as we fight to win back our rights in Wisconsin. And AFT-Wisconsin, our state union, will be right in the middle of that fight, and at the same time working to protect our working conditions. Is this the time to be thinking of reduced dues? Our local union can and will look at our local level of dues, but again, we want to be sure we have the resources we need for the fight ahead.
Under the new law, we can’t really bargain. What will our dues be used for?
If and when that bill does become law, we can still meet, negotiate, and advocate on issues with administration. We intend to do that. And we intend to continue to educate and communicate with our members about workplace issues, and train members to be effective advocates at work without bargaining rights. We’ll continue to organize our members and mobilize them to action so our voices are heard at work.
Beyond that, our union is the best vehicle for making the political change needed to move forward from Walker’s power grab. Our plan is to build on the energy of the rallies and protests in our community, in Madison, and all around the state over the last several weeks. In the next few months, we’ll participate in several recall campaigns to win a Senate majority that will support collective bargaining and workers’ rights. We’ll continue to strengthen our coalition with other unions, organizations, and citizens who stand with us for our rights. And we’ll pursue a long-term campaign to reclaim real bargaining rights and protect the high quality, accessible technical education that Wisconsin is known for.
Are dues used for political contributions?
No. Union dues are never used as contributions to either political candidates or political parties. When our statewide union, AFT-Wisconsin, makes any contributions to candidates or parties, those contributions are made with money that has been voluntarily contributed by members in addition to their dues.
Some of our union dues are used for education on specific legislative and political issues. In the past, the union has used money to support increases in public services and funding for higher education, along with supporting legislation that promotes and protects bargaining rights for public employees. In the near future, our union will certainly be using some of our dues to educate our members about how we can win back our bargaining rights that have been taken away by Governor Walker, and how we can help pass legislation to restore adequate funding to our colleges and communities. This political work is important because we have learned that politics – and elections – do matter and do make a difference in our wages and benefits.
Who decides what our union’s political position will be?
The members of AFT-Wisconsin, through our Committee on Political Education (COPE), determine what the political positions of the union will be on statewide issues, and who, if anyone, AFT-Wisconsin will support in elections. COPE is open to all AFT-Wisconsin members, and includes a number of members from Tech Colleges. If you’re interested and want to join, please let us know.
For more information, please contact
Local 395 President Todd Larson at todd.larson395@gmail.com
AFT-W Local 395, WITC May 2011
With all the changes that we and our union are now facing, we’ve received many questions from members about the future of the union. Some of these questions are about union dues. Your union dues are an important investment in the future of our union, and we take our stewardship role with dues money very seriously. It’s important that members understand how their dues are used and why they’re needed to help build our union.
How are our dues set?
Dues rates are set by members of the union. State and national dues are set by members at state and national conventions. Our local dues were set when we wrote our constitution. We set the local rate to allow us to have the resources needed for our local union in good times and in bad times.
How much are our dues?
Full dues are $23.00/twice-a-month ($46 month), and half-dues are $11.50/twice-a-month.
Where does our dues money go; what are our dues used for?
The basic idea of a union is about uniting people and resources to make us stronger. Dues are one of those resources. They help pay for everything we do, including negotiating contracts, representing employees in disputes, training members on how to be effective leaders and organizers, communicating with members about our work and educating members about workplace as well as legislative issues that are important to us and that affect our jobs and our pocketbooks. Our dues pay for the assistance we get from our AFT-W staff and for the research and training that AFT is able to provide.
Dues go to national AFT, to AFT-Wisconsin, to the local union, and also to the area AFL-CIO, the umbrella union organization.
The national part is about $16/month. We get all kinds of support from AFT National, including research, organizing and legal help, educational conferences, training programs and more. During the current struggle here in Wisconsin, National AFT has been supporting us more than ever, with additional staff and money to help us in the fight against Walker’s anti-public employee campaign.
AFT-Wisconsin gets about $23/month. This pays for field staff that work with our local unions to negotiate agreements and resolve workplace disputes and problems and build local union strength, communications, legislative work, as well as training and educational programs for members.
About $1/month goes to the area AFL-CIO, to support and help coordinate union activities and programs in our region of the state. These may be about legislative issues important to working families, or training and support programs for a variety of unions.
The balance stays in our local union treasury to support expenses related to sending our own members to training programs and conferences and pay for local expenses related to meetings, events, negotiations, arbitrations, etc.
Can dues be lowered, since we won’t be able to bargain under the new law?
There are plenty of things our union will be doing even if we lose many bargaining rights under the ridiculous new law. Read on to see what some of those things are. As for reducing dues, dues levels are set by union members at conventions, both at the state and national level. So, state and national dues levels could be changed at a future convention. But keep in mind, we’ll be using more national resources than ever before as we fight to win back our rights in Wisconsin. And AFT-Wisconsin, our state union, will be right in the middle of that fight, and at the same time working to protect our working conditions. Is this the time to be thinking of reduced dues? Our local union can and will look at our local level of dues, but again, we want to be sure we have the resources we need for the fight ahead.
Under the new law, we can’t really bargain. What will our dues be used for?
If and when that bill does become law, we can still meet, negotiate, and advocate on issues with administration. We intend to do that. And we intend to continue to educate and communicate with our members about workplace issues, and train members to be effective advocates at work without bargaining rights. We’ll continue to organize our members and mobilize them to action so our voices are heard at work.
Beyond that, our union is the best vehicle for making the political change needed to move forward from Walker’s power grab. Our plan is to build on the energy of the rallies and protests in our community, in Madison, and all around the state over the last several weeks. In the next few months, we’ll participate in several recall campaigns to win a Senate majority that will support collective bargaining and workers’ rights. We’ll continue to strengthen our coalition with other unions, organizations, and citizens who stand with us for our rights. And we’ll pursue a long-term campaign to reclaim real bargaining rights and protect the high quality, accessible technical education that Wisconsin is known for.
Are dues used for political contributions?
No. Union dues are never used as contributions to either political candidates or political parties. When our statewide union, AFT-Wisconsin, makes any contributions to candidates or parties, those contributions are made with money that has been voluntarily contributed by members in addition to their dues.
Some of our union dues are used for education on specific legislative and political issues. In the past, the union has used money to support increases in public services and funding for higher education, along with supporting legislation that promotes and protects bargaining rights for public employees. In the near future, our union will certainly be using some of our dues to educate our members about how we can win back our bargaining rights that have been taken away by Governor Walker, and how we can help pass legislation to restore adequate funding to our colleges and communities. This political work is important because we have learned that politics – and elections – do matter and do make a difference in our wages and benefits.
Who decides what our union’s political position will be?
The members of AFT-Wisconsin, through our Committee on Political Education (COPE), determine what the political positions of the union will be on statewide issues, and who, if anyone, AFT-Wisconsin will support in elections. COPE is open to all AFT-Wisconsin members, and includes a number of members from Tech Colleges. If you’re interested and want to join, please let us know.
For more information, please contact
Local 395 President Todd Larson at todd.larson395@gmail.com
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Ways to Stay Informed
- Thursday, May 5th @ 7 p.m.UWBC - 228 Ritzinger. Lecture by Dr. Eric T. Kasper. Happy Law Day! In observance of this, I will be giving a lecture titled "Zealous Representation and the Rule of Law: Defense Attorneys with Unpopular Clients from the Boston Massacre to the War on Terror." This ties into this year's national Law Day theme, the legacy of John Adams. Free pocket copies of the U.S. Constitution will be distributed.
- Friday, May 6th @ 6 p.m. UWBC Gymnasium. A budget dialogue between Rep. Roger Rivard, R-Rice Lake and state Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, is Friday, May 6 at 6 p.m. at the UW-Barron County gymnasium. Comments and questions from the public will be welcome.
- Saturday, May 7th @ 8 a.m.Chippewa Falls. Wisconsin Workers' Fishing Opener and Boat ParadeThis year marks the 46th annual WI Governor's Fishing Opener - to be held at Lake Wissota, near Chippewa Falls, WI, on Saturday, May 7. But Wisconsin Workers are planning a fishing opener of their own! All workers are invited to join in fishing from 8:00am-11:00am, a boat parade at 11:00 am, and a cookout at noon. Let's show our governor a thing or two about fishing, eating, and enjoying the outdoors!
- Wednesday, May 11th @ 6 p.m. Concourse Hotel, Madison. Budget Townhall MeetingJoin fellow public employees from the Madison area to discuss the impact of Walker’s state budget and a strategy for moving forward.
- Saturday, May 14th @ 2:30 p.m. Capitol Square, Madison. We Are One RallyPublic service advocates, civil rights supporters, and other citizens from across Wisconsin will join in Madison to make our voices heard.
- Saturday, May 21st @ 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chip Falls. Fighting Bob Fest North The program consisting of our featured speakers will happen from 9am to 5pm. The beer tent and music entertainment will go through the early evening.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Budget Dialogue between Rep. Roger Rivard and Sen. Bob Jauch
A budget dialogue between Rep. Roger Rivard, R-Rice Lake and state Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, is Friday, May 6 at 6 p.m. at the UW-Barron County gymnasium. Comments and questions from the public will be welcome.
Dr. Frank Emspak to Speak in Ridgeland, Wisc! Forging a Prosperous Working Class: The Union Movement and the Wisconsin Idea
Sure, we are all ‘Middle Class’ now, but how did we get here? And what does our own history teach us to think about recent efforts to divide workers, public from private, union from non-union and one from the other? Are you aware that Wisconsin was a leader in recognizing the right of public workers to organize? Are you curious about why Wisconsin’s public workers have reacted so strongly against proposals to deny them the right to collectively bargain over working conditions? Are you wondering how we should move forward?
This part of the Hay River Review free lecture series--join us on Saturday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Ridgeland Community Center
Friday, April 29, 2011
History of AFT
Click on the title of this post to watch some videos on the proud history of AFT, what AFT is and why AFT is important.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wisconsin Solidarity March & Rally - May 1 in Milwaukee!
On tonight's statewide AFT leadership call, AFT-W president Bryan Kennedy said that he wants to make this the largest rally we've had in this state! National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will be there and he is a very motivating speaker (I heard him at the national AFT convention in Seattle last summer). Participants will also reflect on the Bayview Massacre site where 7 men were killed by militia as they were marching for an 8-hr work day 125 years ago! Plan to be in Milwaukee on May 1! See messages below from Bryan and also Phil Neuenfeldt, Wisconsin AFL-CIO president.Dear AFT-W Brothers and Sisters: Please see information below about the May Day Rally in Milwaukee with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. We need to mobilize our members and have a strong AFT showing. Please share with your members and encourage large-scale participation. Thanks.
In solidarity,
Bryan Kennedy, Ph.D.
President, AFT-Wisconsin
------ Forwarded Message
From: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO <solidarity@wisaflcio.org>
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:36:51 -0700
Subject: Wisconsin Solidarity March and Rally
Brothers and Sisters,
<http://act.aflcio.org/salsa/track.jsp?v=2&c=PwZqNrAa6B5eNGCOeJxAL1EGOnEvITmr> May 1st is a day to celebrate working men and women across the world. Please join us for a Wisconsin May Day Rally and Solidarity March for Immigrant and Worker Rights. Union and community members will meet at 1:30 pm at 5th and Washington St. in Milwaukee. We will then march to Veteran’s Park (1010 N. Memorial Dr.) for a 3:00 pm rally with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Executive Director of Voces de la Frontera Christine Neumann-Ortiz, and student and union leaders. There will be live music!
Help spread the word. Click here <http://act.aflcio.org/salsa/track.jsp?v=2&c=ROqMcc8cR2dV8lh8cnlCYlEGOnEvITmr> to print a poster for the rally. You can share the poster around town, in your work and in your community. You can also use the poster on Face Book and social media sites.
Workers in Wisconsin are under attack. Jobs have been shipped overseas, wages and benefits have been slashed. Governor Walker and his supporters like the Koch brothers are trying to divide private sector workers against the public employees who serve them and American workers against their immigrant brothers and sisters. Workers didn’t ship our jobs overseas, cut our wages or take away our union rights. On Sunday May 1st we will march in solidarity against the attacks on all of Wisconsin workers.
In Solidarity,
Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO
Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO
Kloppenburg Requests Recount in State Supreme Court Race
Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg asked Wednesday for a statewide recount - the first in 22 years - to check the results in the April 5 state Supreme Court race she lost to Justice David Prosser. This is expected to be a long, drawn-out process involving many attorneys.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Walker Preparing Financial Martial Law As We Speak
This stuff is stranger than fiction. Pay attention folks. More news at this link also. http://blogs.forbes.com/rickungar/2011/04/16/gov-scott-walker-reportedly-planning-financial-martial-law-in-wisconsin/ Also, we needed to remove the option to allow people to comment as last week there were some very profane comments made towards some of our faculty members. Sad but true. So now, this is just an informative blog. Todd
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Details for Saturday rally
Greetings everybody! Approximately two dozen people attended last night's planning meeting for this weekend's rally. We developed a schedule of events, made logistical arrangements, and assessed needs. We are aiming high - a full-scale event with speakers, music, march, and rally - the tentative schedule looks like this: 5pm - 6pm - speakers, music, rallying, noisemaking - GOP all stars such as Congressman Duffy, State Rep Rivard, and State Senator Moulton will be arriving at the Rice Lake Elk’s Club around 5:30 - we will be assembled in the parking lot of city hall - directly adjacent to the Elk’s Club! We will give them the kind of welcome they deserve. 6pm - 7pm - march up and down Main Street - our point of contact with the public - remember, we probably aren't going to change many minds among those at the Elk's club, but it remains important to make ourselves visible to the public - the politicians and people in general need to understand that resistance to the budget priorities (federal and state!) extends far beyond the boundaries of Dane County. 7pm - 8pm - while the GOP dines (dinner begins for them at 7) we will have a couple more speakers, musical interludes, and a lot of noise! This is where we go hoarse - they will be sitting in the thinly-walled dining area and we will seize our chance to be heard. Speakers will address the imapcts of legislation and excite, encourage, and embolden our resistance. We will have tables set up with information as well as a table to raise money for rice lake's sister city in Japan - Miharu. Please consider bringing a canned or boxed food item for the local food shelf as we expect a need for this kind of charity as the impact of the Governor’s budget becomes more apparent. There will be a meeting shortly before the rally to coordinate a few logistical matters. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - we will need volunteers to marshall the event, attend to information tables, distribute handouts, and serve as press contacts - please consider attending the 4pm pre-event meeting at the NUE office (16 W John st. in Rice Lake) if you would like to help in any of these capacities. Homemade signs are encouraged! There will be a sign-making party at the NUE office at 4pm on Thursday - all are welcome. Humor and creativity have lifted people's spirits throughout the past couple months, strengthening our resolve - I look forward to seeing and hearing Northwest Wisconsin's own brand signs and chants. As you can see, we are going whole-hog on this event - spread the word far and wide! Forward to interested parties and discuss among friends and coworkers. That's all for now - I look forward to seeing you on Thursday and/or Saturday. Please email me with any questions, concerns, etc. Joshua Morey PS - mark your calendars - Roger Rivard will host a budget forum on Thursday, April 21 at the UW-BC campus theater - I look forward to giving him a piece of my mind. Also, Rivard and Senator Jauch will have a budget debate on Saturday, May 6, at the UW-BC gymnasium. Finally, Governor Walker is scheduled to visit Lake Wissota during the fishing opener on Sunday, May 7 - another great opportunity! Also, if you facebook, check out the event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175518679163813 - invite friends!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tuesday's Supreme Court Election
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Tomorrow's election of a Justice for the Wisconsin Supreme Court has far-reaching ramifications for all state public servants, indeed, for all middle class Wisconsin citizens. Pundits and analysts alike, consider this election to be a referendum on Governor Walker's and Republican legislators' assault on unions and collective bargaining for teachers, support staff, nurses, road workers----all who are currently aligned to and protected by their unions.
It is quite clear that the final decisions regarding this radical and over-reaching legislation could most likely be determined by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Electing JoAnne Kloppenburg to the Supreme Court would help balance the the current uneven power held by Republicans in state government. If David Prosser is re-elected, there is nothing standing in the way of our losing all the safety, protections and security we have fought so hard for over the past 5o years!
PLEASE be sure to vote tomorrow---and vote for JoAnne Kloppenburg. Also, do all you can to have you family, friends, relatives and neighbors vote. This may be the most important vote of your professional lives!
Sincerely,
Mark Kearns
Tomorrow's election of a Justice for the Wisconsin Supreme Court has far-reaching ramifications for all state public servants, indeed, for all middle class Wisconsin citizens. Pundits and analysts alike, consider this election to be a referendum on Governor Walker's and Republican legislators' assault on unions and collective bargaining for teachers, support staff, nurses, road workers----all who are currently aligned to and protected by their unions.
It is quite clear that the final decisions regarding this radical and over-reaching legislation could most likely be determined by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Electing JoAnne Kloppenburg to the Supreme Court would help balance the the current uneven power held by Republicans in state government. If David Prosser is re-elected, there is nothing standing in the way of our losing all the safety, protections and security we have fought so hard for over the past 5o years!
PLEASE be sure to vote tomorrow---and vote for JoAnne Kloppenburg. Also, do all you can to have you family, friends, relatives and neighbors vote. This may be the most important vote of your professional lives!
Sincerely,
Mark Kearns
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Joint Finance Committee to Hold State Budget Hearing in Superior Friday, April 8th
The location for this has changed! Please note the change below.
From Bob Jauch's web site:
"The Joint Committee on Finance will hold a Public hearing on Governor Walker’s state budget proposal at the UW-Superior Wessman Arena, 2701 Catlin Avenue on Friday, April 8th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Senator Jauch, who is a member of the committee, and Representatives Nick Milroy and Janet Bewley will join committee members from all over the state at the hearing. The event is open to the public and concerned citizens are strongly encouraged to attend. Due to the incredible amount of interest in this budget proposal, local legislators have been holding a number of budget listening sessions throughout northern Wisconsin and will continue to do so over the coming weeks."
You have a voice! Your knowledge and opinions are essential to this process. Please attend if you can.
Judge's order may delay union law for nearly 2 months
A Dane County judge on Friday kept in place a restraining order against a controversial collective bargaining measure, a ruling that could keep the law from going into effect for nearly two months. Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi did not schedule another hearing in the case, but she told attorneys to file final briefs by May 23 - seven weeks away.A Dane County judge on Friday kept in place a restraining order against a controversial collective bargaining measure, a ruling that could keep the law from going into effect for nearly two months. Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi did not schedule another hearing in the case, but she told attorneys to file final briefs by May 23 - seven weeks away.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Opinion: Julie Gard
We work the system, steal taxpayer dollars, and are incompetent to boot. We don’t deserve what we have earned, and we certainly don’t deserve a voice in our working conditions. Our years if not decades of preparation and training do not make us worthy to earn what many of our students will make within a few years of leaving our schools and colleges. Rather than providing an essential service that keeps the economic engines going, educating future workers and good citizens, we manipulate and mooch off the system.
More
More
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Judge Sumi Blocks bill Round 2
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 5:14 PM Sumi blocks further implementation of collective bargaining bill Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi issued an order this afternoon blocking further implementation of the collective bargaining bill.Sumi stopped short of signing off on a proposed declaration that publication by the Legislative Reference Bureau does not make the law take effect. But she made clear during her ruling that "further implementation of the act is enjoined."The judge reiterated that lawmakers could easily implement the law through another, properly noticed committee hearing and legislative vote, commenting that "when taxpayers are paying the bill, that needs to be part of the discussion" of continuing litigation.Sumi also warned that those who act "in willful defiance of a court order" not only may subject themselves to sanctions, but endanger the financial and governmental health of the state.Dane Co. DA Ishmael Ozanne requested that the order include the declaration that the law was not in effect, saying, "We believe there's a strong public interest in people knowing today ... what the status is."Sumi struck that portion of the order, saying that testimony on that issue has not concluded. The case is set to resume Friday.Assistant AG Steven Means said after the ruling that the state's position remains that the budget repair bill is the law of the land following publication by LRB.-- By Andy Szal http://budget.wispolitics.com/
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Nice endorsement of Dem Senators
Subject: Open letter to the people of Wisconsin
Kelly Vinehout and Douglas Smith: Open letter to the people of Wisconsin3/14/2011 To the People of Wisconsin: There are times when life happens so powerfully and unexpectedly that all you can do is embrace it fully and play the role you are given to the best of your ability. Sometimes that role is to lead, sometimes to support or protect, and sometimes that role is as a witness. Way past bedtime on a Thursday night, February 17, 2011, we found ourselves unexpectedly sitting at a table in a fast-food restaurant with a group of people who had sacrificed their own comfort so that the people of Wisconsin would have a chance to learn the contents of the Governor’s “Budget Repair” bill. They had no extra clothes, no food, only the small amount of cash they typically carried with them, and no place to go. Some did not even have essential medication with them. Despite this, their conversation focused on remaining in contact with their constituents and being able to negotiate with their Republican colleagues. The comment “Why don’t you come to my house?” was spontaneous, genuine, and one we would repeat. That night and the next day, we escorted Wisconsin Democratic Senators to our home where they slept, ate, and constantly worked for the next week, before moving on to another “undisclosed location.” It was a pleasure to host this group of dedicated and loyal people. We were repeatedly amazed at how hard they worked. They were awake by 4:30 or 5:00 AM and kept working until well past midnight. Each of them made many personal sacrifices and agonized that they were missing events at home, such as birthdays of their children and spouses, children’s school events, funerals, family reunions planned long ago, wedding anniversaries, and many other days that we cherish as families. Their spouses scrambled to take out loans to pay bills at home when their paychecks were withheld. They risked debt and sacrificed time with their own families so that they could represent those they were elected to serve. They spent endless hours returning telephone calls to the people in their districts. Contrary to the contents of some of the newspaper articles we have since read, they attempted daily to negotiate with their Republican colleagues and their Governor, and spent endless hours attempting to contact these legislators. We watched them write these letters at our kitchen table. We watched their disappointment as their pleas for negotiation were steadfastly refused. We, common citizens who previously knew very little about politics, were then amazed to read news releases stating it was the Democratic Senators who were refusing to negotiate. Although we are very private people, we decided to write this letter because, just as you had a right to learn the contents of your Governor’s proposed bill, you have a right to know the truth of what happened during the three weeks your Senators worked in Illinois. We witnessed first-hand how these Senators never stopped working from the moment they made the heart-breaking decision to leave the state they love. They made many personal sacrifices because every week they received tens of thousands of messages from their constituents pleading with them to not return. We thank the great state of Wisconsin for the honor of participating in your effort to ensure a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” We are proud to be your neighbors as you move forward in the long days ahead, using the democratic process to ensure justice for all. -- Kelly Vinehout and Douglas Smith Woodstock, Illinois
Kelly Vinehout and Douglas Smith: Open letter to the people of Wisconsin3/14/2011 To the People of Wisconsin: There are times when life happens so powerfully and unexpectedly that all you can do is embrace it fully and play the role you are given to the best of your ability. Sometimes that role is to lead, sometimes to support or protect, and sometimes that role is as a witness. Way past bedtime on a Thursday night, February 17, 2011, we found ourselves unexpectedly sitting at a table in a fast-food restaurant with a group of people who had sacrificed their own comfort so that the people of Wisconsin would have a chance to learn the contents of the Governor’s “Budget Repair” bill. They had no extra clothes, no food, only the small amount of cash they typically carried with them, and no place to go. Some did not even have essential medication with them. Despite this, their conversation focused on remaining in contact with their constituents and being able to negotiate with their Republican colleagues. The comment “Why don’t you come to my house?” was spontaneous, genuine, and one we would repeat. That night and the next day, we escorted Wisconsin Democratic Senators to our home where they slept, ate, and constantly worked for the next week, before moving on to another “undisclosed location.” It was a pleasure to host this group of dedicated and loyal people. We were repeatedly amazed at how hard they worked. They were awake by 4:30 or 5:00 AM and kept working until well past midnight. Each of them made many personal sacrifices and agonized that they were missing events at home, such as birthdays of their children and spouses, children’s school events, funerals, family reunions planned long ago, wedding anniversaries, and many other days that we cherish as families. Their spouses scrambled to take out loans to pay bills at home when their paychecks were withheld. They risked debt and sacrificed time with their own families so that they could represent those they were elected to serve. They spent endless hours returning telephone calls to the people in their districts. Contrary to the contents of some of the newspaper articles we have since read, they attempted daily to negotiate with their Republican colleagues and their Governor, and spent endless hours attempting to contact these legislators. We watched them write these letters at our kitchen table. We watched their disappointment as their pleas for negotiation were steadfastly refused. We, common citizens who previously knew very little about politics, were then amazed to read news releases stating it was the Democratic Senators who were refusing to negotiate. Although we are very private people, we decided to write this letter because, just as you had a right to learn the contents of your Governor’s proposed bill, you have a right to know the truth of what happened during the three weeks your Senators worked in Illinois. We witnessed first-hand how these Senators never stopped working from the moment they made the heart-breaking decision to leave the state they love. They made many personal sacrifices because every week they received tens of thousands of messages from their constituents pleading with them to not return. We thank the great state of Wisconsin for the honor of participating in your effort to ensure a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” We are proud to be your neighbors as you move forward in the long days ahead, using the democratic process to ensure justice for all. -- Kelly Vinehout and Douglas Smith Woodstock, Illinois
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Scott Walkers Brown Bag movement redux
Scott Walker's New Brown Bag Movement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zweh0hRz4pk
Scott Walker made a video called "Taking Our Government Back" during his campaign. We felt the context of the audio was poignant considering the new movement now Governor Walker has created. We took the audio and made this new version. We like to call it "Taking Our Government Forward."
This was posted on the WEAC Facebook site
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zweh0hRz4pk
Scott Walker made a video called "Taking Our Government Back" during his campaign. We felt the context of the audio was poignant considering the new movement now Governor Walker has created. We took the audio and made this new version. We like to call it "Taking Our Government Forward."
This was posted on the WEAC Facebook site
Russ Feingolds new organization Progressives United
If you are interested in fighting back against the plan to strip away our collective bargaining rights, check out this website. One of our union members has sent me information about this group and they are doing some great things. It is another way to get involved.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
UPDATE: From Todd
Dear Local 395 members,
I have heard from many members in the past 2 days in regards to the proposal to the WITC Board of Trustees, asking to extend our current collective bargaining agreement. There have been many questions, so I hope this will clarify some of the concerns. I understand your concerns and recognize that the financial impact will be huge for you and many of our members and their families. You are correct in the fact, that paying 12% of our health insurance costs, which is in the bill, does not apply to us, under our current contract. However, on July 1st, our contract becomes null and void unless we are granted an extension by WITC. They do not have to give us an extension. If we do not get an extension after July 1, under Walkers Bill there will be no right to bargain anything other than a wage increase which will be tied to the CPI which was 1.5% this year. Bargaining on any other issues will be illegal. No bargaining about benefits, working conditions, hours, class sizes, all gone! Will the College do that? I wish I knew for sure.
All current contracts that are in effect when his bill becomes law will be allowed to continue operating as is until they expire. That is why this is happening so very quickly and why we are asking the Board again to reconsider our proposal from February 24th, which they denied. The Board of Trustees are holding their monthly meeting on Monday morning in Shell Lake. The law can go into effect next Saturday 3/26/11 at 12:01 am. That does not leave much time to try to make things happen. If the Board says they are interested in our proposal, we would have to work out the language, and then have the membership, YOU, vote on the proposal. You have to approve/not approve the proposal for it to take effect.
Many school districts around the state have signed contract extensions giving the same concessions that we offered. We feel the value of having a contract, even with substantial cuts, outweighs not having a contract. The College and all of the school districts are going to be experiencing very severe cuts to their operating budgets and will have to make cuts. Does that include layoffs? Quite possibly. If we can help the College save some money by offering to pay some of these costs, it may save some jobs. Bob’s earlier email explained the potential cuts to WITC, and with just the property tax freeze, that means over $1,000,000 less dollars to WITC. That does not figure in reduced state aid or other cuts.
This is a very serious situation which I, and the other Executive Board members, do not take lightly. We feel this proposal is in the best interest of all members, and not to make light of you or anybody else’s situation, no matter how much we give up in benefits or how large a cut we have to take, it still pays more than unemployment.
This link takes you to a summary of the bill.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_ed4823fa-5042-11e0-ba6b-001cc4c03286.html
If you want to read the complete bill, there is a link at the end of the first paragraph of this article. http://profs.wisc.edu/?tag=budget-repair-bill
I hope this helps.
Todd A. Larson
President Local 395
Masonry Instructor
Thursday, March 17, 2011
How Can You Help Recall
United Wisconsin is for Wisconsin residents to sign a pledge to recall Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch. Since we can not distribute the actual petitions until 11/3/11, sign a pledge online for recall as we will only have 60 days to collect 540,206 signatures. The database will be essential for a successful recall.
http://www.UnitedWisconsin.com
http://www.UnitedWisconsin.com
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Senator Bob Jauch Town Hall Forums
Senator Bob Jauch
608-266-3510
Senator Bob Jauch will hold public forums in both Rice Lake and Ashland to discuss recent events with the citizens of Northern Wisconsin. Senator Jauch will make a presentation at both events and will be available for questions. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
RICE LAKE FORUM
Wednesday, March 16
Rice Lake High School Auditorium UPDATE: Meeting at UW-BC Theater
6-7:30 P.M.
SPOONER FORUM
Thursday, March 17
Buckhorn Tavern
105 Walnut Street
10 – 11:30 A.M.
ASHLAND FORUM
Rep. Bewley will also be attending
Thursday, March 17
Ashland High School Auditorium
3:30 – 5 P.M.
608-266-3510
Senator Bob Jauch will hold public forums in both Rice Lake and Ashland to discuss recent events with the citizens of Northern Wisconsin. Senator Jauch will make a presentation at both events and will be available for questions. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
RICE LAKE FORUM
Wednesday, March 16
6-7:30 P.M.
SPOONER FORUM
Thursday, March 17
Buckhorn Tavern
105 Walnut Street
10 – 11:30 A.M.
ASHLAND FORUM
Rep. Bewley will also be attending
Thursday, March 17
Ashland High School Auditorium
3:30 – 5 P.M.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Nearly halfway to recalling GOP state senators
Almost half of the signatures needed to recall key Republican Wisconsin state senators have been collected by the Wisconsin Democratic Party.
Democrats have collected over 56,000 signatures supporting a recall of eight state senators who aligned themselves with Republican Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill, The Washington Post reported.
"This morning citizens from around the state took the first steps by filing recall papers against key Republican Senators who have stood with Scott Walker and pushed his partisan power grab that will strip thousands of middle class teachers, nurses, librarians and other workers of their right to collective bargaining," the Wisconsin Democratic Party said in an email two weeks ago.
Under Wisconsin law, any elected official who has served at least one year of their current term can be recalled from office. Eight Republican and eight Democratic senators are currently eligible to be recalled. Gov. Walker, who was inaugurated last January, will not be eligible for a recall until 2012.
Democrats need to collect 25 percent of the number who voted in the last gubernatorial election within 60 days of filing for recalls.
Protesters learned Sunday that Wisconsin state senator Randy Hopper's wife reportedly intends to sign the recall petition against him.
The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) has vowed to defend the state senators and Republicans have launched their own recall campaign against eight Democratic state senators, but have refused to reveal the amount of signatures they’ve collected.
Republicans currently have a 19 to 14 majority in the Wisconsin Senate.
Democrats have collected over 56,000 signatures supporting a recall of eight state senators who aligned themselves with Republican Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill, The Washington Post reported.
"This morning citizens from around the state took the first steps by filing recall papers against key Republican Senators who have stood with Scott Walker and pushed his partisan power grab that will strip thousands of middle class teachers, nurses, librarians and other workers of their right to collective bargaining," the Wisconsin Democratic Party said in an email two weeks ago.
Under Wisconsin law, any elected official who has served at least one year of their current term can be recalled from office. Eight Republican and eight Democratic senators are currently eligible to be recalled. Gov. Walker, who was inaugurated last January, will not be eligible for a recall until 2012.
Democrats need to collect 25 percent of the number who voted in the last gubernatorial election within 60 days of filing for recalls.
Protesters learned Sunday that Wisconsin state senator Randy Hopper's wife reportedly intends to sign the recall petition against him.
The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) has vowed to defend the state senators and Republicans have launched their own recall campaign against eight Democratic state senators, but have refused to reveal the amount of signatures they’ve collected.
Republicans currently have a 19 to 14 majority in the Wisconsin Senate.
Friday, March 11, 2011
UPDATE: Saturday Rally
From: Jim Bakken [Bakken.Jim@aft-wisconsin.org]
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 11:59 AM
To: Jim Bakken
Subject: TAKE BACK WISCONSIN!!!
Folks!
Today Governor Walker signed the bill gutting collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin. Fortunately for us, the governor does not decide whether or not we have a union--WE DO! Join working families from around the country for a rally at the Capitol on Saturday where we will start our fight to TAKE BACK WISCONSIN!
If you or your fellow members are interested in serving as rally marshals, please attend the AFL-CIO's marshal training being held at 9:00 am at the Orpheum Theater on State Street. We are expecting huge crowds tomorrow and so it's very important that we have lots of marshals to help manage the event and direct traffic.
Otherwise, the rally will proceed as follows:
Saturday rally details
We are asking all AFT and AFT-Wisconsin members to join us in a march on the Wisconsin capitol this Saturday, March 12 at 12:00 pm. We will gather on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd (100 block) between Doty St and the Capitol Square and then proceed together around the capitol building at noon. We will have signs at the rally site, or bring your own (please keep your signs classy Wisconsin--we have lots of bloggers and media outlets looking for material that they will use to distort the public perception of peaceful protests around a very important issue)!
Please wear your union t-shirt or AFT blue!
Please try to be on site before 12:00 pm so we can get everyone signed in and be ready to march together. The earlier you get there, the easier it will be to get parking. Click here for the bus schedule; click here to ride the bus! If you get cold, AFT Local 243 has arranged a 'warming room' at the Madison Area Technical College Campus (211 North Carroll St, Madison), room D240, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
There is a farm labor tractorcade scheduled at 10:00 am, followed by several hours of music and a program of speakers at 3:00 pm, including one of AFT-Wisconsin's own from Wisconsin Science Professionals. Bring your family and friends and plan to spend the afternoon with other working families from around Wisconsin.
See you Saturday!
Jim Bakken
Organizer
AFT-Wisconsin
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 11:59 AM
To: Jim Bakken
Subject: TAKE BACK WISCONSIN!!!
Folks!
Today Governor Walker signed the bill gutting collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin. Fortunately for us, the governor does not decide whether or not we have a union--WE DO! Join working families from around the country for a rally at the Capitol on Saturday where we will start our fight to TAKE BACK WISCONSIN!
If you or your fellow members are interested in serving as rally marshals, please attend the AFL-CIO's marshal training being held at 9:00 am at the Orpheum Theater on State Street. We are expecting huge crowds tomorrow and so it's very important that we have lots of marshals to help manage the event and direct traffic.
Otherwise, the rally will proceed as follows:
Saturday rally details
We are asking all AFT and AFT-Wisconsin members to join us in a march on the Wisconsin capitol this Saturday, March 12 at 12:00 pm. We will gather on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd (100 block) between Doty St and the Capitol Square and then proceed together around the capitol building at noon. We will have signs at the rally site, or bring your own (please keep your signs classy Wisconsin--we have lots of bloggers and media outlets looking for material that they will use to distort the public perception of peaceful protests around a very important issue)!
Please wear your union t-shirt or AFT blue!
Please try to be on site before 12:00 pm so we can get everyone signed in and be ready to march together. The earlier you get there, the easier it will be to get parking. Click here for the bus schedule; click here to ride the bus! If you get cold, AFT Local 243 has arranged a 'warming room' at the Madison Area Technical College Campus (211 North Carroll St, Madison), room D240, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
There is a farm labor tractorcade scheduled at 10:00 am, followed by several hours of music and a program of speakers at 3:00 pm, including one of AFT-Wisconsin's own from Wisconsin Science Professionals. Bring your family and friends and plan to spend the afternoon with other working families from around Wisconsin.
See you Saturday!
Jim Bakken
Organizer
AFT-Wisconsin
Bus Schedule for Protests
All Buses are first come first serve
Please check with your TBA staff for local events
Updated as of 3/10/11 at 12:42 pm
Please check with your TBA staff for local events
Updated as of 3/10/11 at 12:42 pm
Wisconsin's Dark Night
On March 9, the Wisconsin Senate Republicans used the nuclear option to ram through their bill attacking working families. Walker and the Republicans acted in violation of democracy and perhaps state law, and their actions have demonstrated they will do or say anything to pass their extremist agenda that attacks Wisconsin’s working families.
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