Presenter: Trust Fund Specialist, Department of Employee Trust Funds

This workshop will cover many of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) benefits administered by the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF). Topics will include retirement, separation and survivor benefits, and life and health insurance, if applicable. A short question and answer time will be available for attendees.

Presenter: Corliss Olson, Professor, School for Workers

People should be able to expect civility in their workplaces. Sadly, with the pace of work constantly accelerating, reductions in resources, and increasing expectations and stress, civility is often a casualty. Participants in this workshop will learn how to create a workplace that promotes respect and civility, and fosters greater harmony, creativity, and productivity.

Presenters: Correctional Officers Advisory Committee Members

This workshop will provide a pretty good idea of what a jail actually looks like (for those working and those incarcerated). It will also look at "corrections" language, such as Direct vs. Linear Supervision models, Jail vs. Huber/Work Release, etc. We will discuss PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act). One of our members will demonstrate Use of Force, and we will discuss Mandatory Overtime.

Presenter: Neil Rainford, C40 Staff Representative

From cameras to GPS – learn what actions, techniques, and technologies your Employer can utilize and what you can do to protect yourself and other members.

Presenter: Ron Kent

Delegates and observers will learn how the convention works during this workshop. They will learn about parliamentary law, the rules of the Convention, and how to take an active part in the decision making-process at the convention. The class is available to all delegates and observers regardless of how many times they have attended the convention. It’s a good introduction for first time delegates and observers as well as a good refresher course for experienced delegates and observers.

Presenter: Peg Lautenschlager, Attorney, Lawton & Cates

This workshop will show you a broad picture of domestic violence. Learn what people are usually charged with, find out the statistics of domestic violence, and recognize the signs of domestic violence.

Presenter: Don Taylor or Wisconsin Attorney

When facing an internal investigation that involves potential criminal conduct, public employees have the right not to incriminate themselves. Named after the U.S. Supreme Court case Garrity v. New Jersey, this right protects public employees from being compelled to provide information that could be used in a prosecution. This workshop will explore the legal development of this important right, analyze how it is applied in the workplace, and explain the essential points employees must understand in order to protect themselves and their coworkers.

Presenters: tbd

Negotiating in this time of economic stress in all our communities is something we all are dealing with. Come to this workshop and talk to staff reps and local leaders about new and creative ways of combating furloughs and layoffs. Even in tough economic times, there are many ways to improve your contract that add minimal cost to your employer.

Presenters: Street & Highway Workers Advisory Committee

All of us depend on good roads and transportation systems. Any member who is interested in Wisconsin Transportation dollars and stimulus monies is welcome to participate in this workshop.

Presenter: Tom Larsen, Research Analyst

• FAST: Local organizations can build their own website in less than an hour.
• EASY: Take control of your content–no tech skills required to maintain website.
• FREE: The design, hosting, maintenance, training and upgrade –provided at no cost by AFSCME & AFL-CIO.
• SUPPORT: Be part of a bigger program–trainings, list servers, syndicated content, and more.
• TIMELINE: Get started today!

Presenters:   Christine Kistner, Executive Board Member
                      Susan McMurray, Legislative Representative
                     John Spiegelhoff, Staff Representative

Hear how ADRC and Family Care will affect your job and the collective bargaining process.

Presenter: Tammi Robinson, Midwest PEOPLE Coordinator

Walk away from this workshop with a greater understanding of the PEOPLE program, how it affects you, what we are up against on the political state, and why we have to make sure PEOPLE participation continues to grow in Wisconsin. We will work on having one-on-one conversations about PEOPLE and broadening member activism! Come hear the answers to frequently asked questions, best practices for expressing the urgency of helping our union increase its political power, and learn helpful tips on how to talk to your co-workers about PEOPLE. There will also be an opportunity to set PEOPLE recruitment goals for yourself and your local and to work through the steps necessary to achieve them.

What rights do employees have to job security and continuation of health benefits when they need to be absent from work due to personal or family medical emergencies? This workshop will present a discussion of both State and Federal Family & Medical Leave Acts and will include a useful reference handout comparing the provisions of the two statutes. In addition, an overview of the Wisconsin Workers Compensation Act will be presented. Commonly encountered employer and insurance company tactics will be discussed as well as strategies to counter them.

Presenters: Diana Smith, President, Local 373
                       Fran Schmidt, Chair, Women’s Committee