Finally Some Backbone

From the Peshtigo Times.

People in Marinete County need to call their representative to thank them for this or chew the reps that wanted to ram this through.

"Marinette Co. Board Rejects Proposed Union Agreements
The item was very near to the end of the Marinette County Board meeting agenda Tuesday, July 28, but it stirred up determined opposition. It was entitled “Tentative Agreements - AFSCME” (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) for three units, Courthouse, Public Health, and Library wage contacts.

Marinette County Corporation Counsel Gale Mattison handled the presentation, and began noting some changes that applied to all three unions. Included was an agreement to co-pay $50 for any emergency room visit, but the $50 is waived if the person is admitted as a patient. There were some apparent union concessions on prescription drugs. There were four pages of detail of what seemed relatively minor changes, and Mattison spent about 25 minutes going over them with a very detailed summary.

The item that stuck with many supervisors was an apparent 3% wage increase, though a timing element made it hard to calculate. It provided for a 3% raise in wages for all employees, with a staggered schedule, 2% on April 1 and 1% added Oct. 1.

Mattison noted that Wisconsin’s Arbitration Law is not related to national economics, but considers “ability to pay” only.

A question came up about national health care, and she responded it is uncertain at present, but if nationwide, “We would sit down and talk about it.”

Jerry PIllath asked for and moved for a postponement of the issue, saying time should be allowed for reading and study of the five page document. Mattison cautioned against delay, as retroactive payments will be an added cost. “Waiting is detrimental”, she warned.

Bob Fraik agreed with Pillath, and said insufficient advance information means “We don’t know what we’ re voting on.”

“It’s in front of us. Why postpone?” asked Ken Keller, adding, “The information was in her presentation.”

Vilas Schroeder agreed with Keller, saying “Let’s move forward!”

Jerry Martens called for the question, and Pillath’s motion to postpone lost 22-8. Only Al Sauld, Connie Seefeldt, Russ Bauer, Paul Gustafson, Shirley Kaufman, Alice Baumgarten, Pillath and Fraik voted for postponement.

Then things warmed up. Connie Seefeldt had a heartfelt comment, “This does not reflect on the performance of any of our employees, but unemployment is up in some areas to 25%. Economic conditions do not indicate the levels of increase.” As to the motion to approve the union settlements, she said, “I can’t give in peacefully. There is a time for everything, and this is my time to say “No!”

Chairman George Bousley complained about Wisconsin’s arbitration law. “I have a problem with our arbitration. I am voting against this to tell the state that it is wrong. Somebody has to tell the state ‘Give us a break!’”

Then came the vote, a 17-13 defeat of the union settlements as presented. Voting no were George Bousley, Cheryl Wruk, Nick Lakari, Bauer, Mike Behnke, Gustafson, Mike Cassidy, Ted Sauve, Baumgarten, Kaufman, Al Mans, Bob Fraik, Russ Bousley, Sauld, Martens, Seefeldt, Pillath, and Fraik.

Voting in favor were Steve Dill, Joe Policello, Ken Mattison, John Guarisco, Al Greason, Ken Casper, Kathy Just, Schroeder, Mel Sharpe, Bill Walker, Carol Faucett, Lawrence Nichols, and Keller.

“What now?” asked Guarisco, and the likelihood was it would come up at the special Aug. 4 meeting. If no agreement is reached the issue will go to binding arbitration.
" Peshtigo Times Wisconsin Community Newspaper