January 2007
MOUNT HOREB. . .Employees in a wall-to-wall bargaining unit who work for the Village of Mount Horeb, members of Local 60, have a new two-year contract. Wages were increased 4% retroactive to 1/1/06. Another 3% pay increase was applied on 1/1/07. Mechanics received an extra $0.50/hour. Wastewater plant employee starting and six-month rates were increased by an extra $0.50/hour and $0.25/hour respectively. For health insurance the Employer will pay all but $28/month for family and $18/month for single effective 7/06. Effective 1/07 the Employer will pay all but $31/month for family and $21/month for single. The Employer will continue to pay 100% of the single and family dental insurance premiums. On-call payment was increased from three hours/weekend to five hours pay.
CUBA CITY. . .School District employees in Cuba City, members of Local 739, have ratified a new three-year contract. Wages were increased $0.35/hour (3.1%) retro to 7/1/06. Another $0.30/hour (2.5%) hike is set for 7/1/07. On 7/1/08 wages will go up another $0.25/hour (2.1%). The District will continue to pay 100% of the single health and dental insurance premiums and 94% of the cost of family coverage for both insurances. A new paid holiday was added.
EAU CLAIRE. . .Library employees in Eau Claire, members of Local 284-A, recently ratified a new 2007-2009 contract. Wages were increased 2% on 1/1/07. Another 2.75% pay hike is set for 1/1/08. On 1/1/09 wages will go up 2.5%. In 2007 the Employer will pay 100% of the single and limited family health insurance premium and 97% of the family premium. In 2008 those payments go to 97.5% and 96% respectively. And in 2009 the Employer will pay 95% of all health insurance premiums. Free parking, worth $280, in the city ramp is now provided.
WAUPACA. . .Dispatchers who work for the City of Waupaca, members of Local 1756-B, have a new three-year contact. For 2007 wages increased 2% on 1/1/07 and will go up another 1% on 7/1/07. Another 3% pay hike is set for 1/1/08. In the last year wages will increase 3% on 1/1/09 and a final 0.5% on 12/31/09. The City will continue to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums, but deductibles will increase gradually over three years.
RACINE. . .Water Department employees in Racine, members of Local 63, recently ratified a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 3% retro to 1/1/06. Another 3% increase was applied on 1/1/07. On 7/1/07 wages will go up another 0.5%. In the last year, wages will increase 3.25% on 1/1/08. Plant Operators received an extra 20¢/hour on 1/1/07. DNR license incentives (available to all) were increased by 5¢/hour. Shift premiums and stand-by pay were increased by the same rates as wages over the three years. The Employer will pay 95% of the single and family health insurance premiums. A new $100 incentive for not using sick leave was added.
RHINELANDER. . .DPW employees, members of Local 1226, recently ratified a new 2007 contract. Wages were increased 2% on 1/1/07. Additional 2% pay hikes are set for 7/1/07 and 12/1/07. The Employer will continue to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. The Employer contribution to the HRAs were increased, now for single it’s $1,000 (deductible is same), for single plus one it’s $2,000 (deductible is same) and for family it’s $2,000 (deductible is $3,000). Comp time maximum accumulation was increased from 60 to 80 hours.
PARK FALLS. . .Police officers and DPW employees, members of Local 1405-A, represented in separate units, recently settled new three-year contracts. Wage rates in both contracts were increased 2.5% on 1/1/07. Additional 2.5% pay increases are set for 1/1/08 and 1/1/09. The Employer agreed to continue paying 100% of the single and family health insurance premiums. However, the parties agreed that if the premium increase exceeds 2% in any year, the Employer will pay 80% of the increase amount and the employee will pay 20% of the increase.
GERMANTOWN. . .DPW employees in Germantown, members of Local 3024, have a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 3% plus 50¢/hour retroactive to 1/1/06. On 1/1/07 wage rates were increased another 3% plus 21¢/hour. For the last year wages will increase another 3%. The employee contribution to the monthly health insurance premiums is capped at $120/family and $60/single in 2006; $135/family and $67.50/single in 2007; and $150/family and $75/single in 2008. Holiday overtime pay is now double time (was time and a half). Several language improvements were also part of the settlement.
GERMANTOWN. . .Technical and clerical employees who work for the Village of Germantown, members of Local 3024, recently ratified their first labor contract. Our new members in Germantown received a wage increase of 25¢/hour retroactive to 10/15/05 and another 3% and 50¢/hour retroactive to 1/1/06. On 1/1/07 wages went up 3% again and another 3% pay hike is set for 1/1/08. All part-time employees got an additional 10¢/hour retroactive to 10/15/06. The Employer agreed to continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums and 100% of the single and family dental premiums. The new contract includes a full range of seniority rights, subcontracting restrictions, the just cause standard, fair share, 150 days of sick leave, 11 holidays and more. Congratulations, Germantown members, on your first contract!
February 2007
PORT WASHINGTON. . .Custodial and maintenance employees who work for the Port Washington/Saukville School District, members of Local 108, have a new two-year contract. Wages were increased 3% retro to 7/01/06. Another 3% pay hike is set for 7/01/07. The District agreed to continue paying 95% of the single and family health insurance plan. Several language improvements regarding retiree insurance, vacation usage and pay step progression were part of the settlement.
BEAVER DAM. . .City of Beaver Dam employees in the DPW, City Hall and Wastewater Treatment Plant, members of Local 157, recently settled their 2005-2006 contract with a victory in Interest Arbitration. Wages were increased 3% retro to 1/01/05. For 2006 wages were increased 2% back to 1/01/06 and another 1% on 7/01/06. The City continued to pay 92.5% of the single and family health insurance premiums. The Union successfully defended its work hours language, and won new job protection language regarding the suspension of a CDL for an off-duty infraction. Staff Rep Lee Gierke represented Local 157 in the Interest Arbitration proceedings.
MARSHFIELD. . .DPW and City Hall and related employees who work for the City of Marshfield in two separate bargaining units, member of Local 929, have ratified new two-year contracts. Wages in both units were increased 2.9% retro to 1/01/06. Another 2.9% pay hike was implemented for both units on 1/01/07. In the DPW unit, the City agreed to continue paying 85% of the single and family health insurance premiums. The City also agreed to eliminate the city residency requirement. For the clerical unit, the City agreed to continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums.
DOOR COUNTY. . .Members of Local 1658 in the Door County Courthouse, Highway Department, Emergency Services and the Department of Social Services recently settled their 2005-2006 contracts in Interest Arbitration. The parties used an unusual "voluntary impasse resolution procedure" in which the same arbitrator decided all four disputes, with all but one issue in one unit decided in favor of Local 1658. Wage increases for all units had been stipulated to be 3% retro to 1/1/05 and another 3% retro to 1/1/06 with an additional 23¢/hour on 12/31/06 (last day of the contracts) when a new cost-saving PPO health insurance plan went into effect. The County had agreed to continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. But the County sought relatively severe cuts in plan design, which the arbitrator rejected in favor of the Union’s position which also brought significant savings but with fewer benefit changes. The County had also agreed to continue paying 100% of the single and family dental insurance premiums. Language regarding the selection of grievance arbitrators changed in some of the contracts. In the Courthouse unit, the Union won continuation of an important side letter regarding the appointment or dismissal of courthouse deputies and judicial assistants. Staff Rep Neil Rainford represented Local 1658 in these Interest Arbitration proceedings.
NEW HOLSTEIN. . .DPW employees in New Holstein, members of Local 1362, recently ratified a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 3.25% on 1/1/07. Another 3% pay increase is set for 1/1/08. In the last year, wages will go up 2% 1/1/09 and 1.25% on 7/1/09. For single and family health insurance and dental insurance, the City agreed to pay 95% of the premiums in 2007; 94% in 2008 and 93% in 2009. (Was 97% for single and family, health and dental.) The clothing allowance was increased from $125/year to $155/year.
STEVENS POINT. . .Custodians who work for the Stevens Point School District, members of Local 309, recently ratified a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 3% retro to 7/1/05. Another 3% pay increase was applied back to 7/1/06. This year wages will go up another 3% on 7/1/07. The Employer agreed to continue paying 92% of the single and family health insurance premiums.
Food Service employees at the Stevens Point School District, also members of Local 309, agreed to extend their old contract one year with a 3% wage increase set for 7/1/07. For this unit the Employer agreed to continue paying 60% of the family health insurance premium and 100% of the single premium.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS. . .Clerical employees who work for the City of Wisconsin Rapids, members of Local 1075, recently settled a 2007-2009 contract. Wages were increased 2.9% on 1/1/07. Further 2.9% pay increases are set for 1/1/08 and 1/1/09. The City agreed to continue to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums.
SHEBOYGAN. . .Water Utility employees in Sheboygan, members of Local 3306, have a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 3% on 1/1/07. Additional 3% pay increases are set for 1/1/08 and 1/1/09. For health insurance the Employer will pay all but $40-$50/month for family coverage and all but $19-$29/month for the single plan. For dental insurance, the Employer will pay all but $4/month for family coverage and all but $1.25/month for single coverage. The dental annual benefit cap went from $1000 to $1500. Sick leave payout went from 77 to 82 days. Comp time and overtime provisions were improved.
March 2007
GREEN BAY. . .School District employees in Green Bay, members of Local 3055 and its Chapters, recently ratified new contracts. For the units representing maintenance staff, clerical personnel, the monitors and food service employees, wages were increased 3% retroactive to 7/1/06. Another 3% pay hike is set for 7/1/07. Noon hour supervisors received the same increases along with a 3% increase retroactive to 7/1/05. In the maintenance unit, the Part Utility classification was elevated from pay Level 6 to Level 10. New CDL job protection language was also added to the maintenance contract. Job sharing language was added to the noon hour supervisors contract. The School District will continue to pay 100% of the single health insurance premiums and 94% for family coverage.
KAUKAUNA, KIMBERLY & LITTLE CHUTE. . .Members of Local 130-B who work for the Heart of the Valley Metro Sewerage District have a new three-year agreement. Wages were increased 3% retroactive to 1/1/05. Additional 3% pay hikes were applied retro to 1/1/06 and 1/1/07. For 2005-2006 the Employer paid 95% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Effective in 2007 the Employer began paying 93%. For the term of the contract, the Employer paid $38.21/month for family dental insurance and $14.46 for single coverage. Sick leave accumulation was increased from 120 days to 130 days.
WITTENBERG. . .Homme Home employees, members of Local 3902, recently ratified a new 14-month contract. Wages were increased 2.5% retroactive to 7/1/06. The Employer will continue to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Also paid are 50% of the single and family dental insurance premiums. Funeral leave language was improved.
HORICON. . .Department of Public Works employees, members of Local 1323-H, who work for the City of Horicon have a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 2% retroactive to 1/1/06. Another 2% was applied on 1/1/07. The City will increase wages 2% again on 1/1/08. The City will continue to pay 100% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Mileage reimbursement is now set at the IRS rate (now 48.5¢/mile). Recall from layoff rights were increased from two years to three. Coverall and safety shoe allowances were increased from $125/year to an additional $100 for safety shoes with any unused portion to be carried over to the next year.
MUSKEGO. . .Administrative Assistants employed by Muskego/Norway Schools, members of Local 2414, recently settled a three year contract. Wages increased 2.5% retroactive to 7/1/06. Additional 2.5% increases are scheduled for 7/1/07 and 7/1/08. The Employer will continue to pay 90% of single and family health and dental insurance. Tuition reimbursement increased from $250 to $400 per year, and surviving spouses are now entitled to unused post employment retiree benefits.
ASHLAND COUNTY. . .Highway Department, Courthouse and Communications Center, Health and Human Services Professional and Para-professional employees, members of Local 216, all have new three-year contracts. Represented in four separate bargaining units, wages for all were increased 2% on 1/1/07. Another 1% increase is set for 8/1/07. In 2008 and 2009, wages will increase 2% on 1/1 of each year and 1% on 7/1 of each year, bringing a lift of 9% over the contracts’ term. Public Health Nurse and Registered Nurse classifications receive an extra 25¢/hour in each year of the contract. Certain Courthouse Deputy classifications along with Account Clerk and Economic Support Assistant positions also received special increases. The County agreed to continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. A new Health Care Savings Plan was implemented along with cost-saving changes in plan design. Longevity pay will now be based on all wages earned, not just base rates. For Highway Department workers, CDL job protection language was greatly improved.
ANTIGO. . .City of Antigo DPW employees, members of Local 1192, recently ratified a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 2.5% on 1/1/07. Another 2.5% pay hike is set for 1/1/08 and another 2.75% on 1/1/09. The City agreed to continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. The uniform and boot allowance went from $100 to $250. Funeral leave was improved.
STEVENS POINT. . .DPW workers, members of Local 309 in Stevens Point settled their 2005-2006 contract. Wages were increased 3% retro to 1/1/05 and another 3% back to 1/1/06. The City paid 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Significant new CDL language was added to the contract which will go far to protect the jobs of drivers whose CDLs are suspended or revoked because of off-duty problems.
April 2007
WAUSAU. . .DPW employees, members of Local 1287, who work for the City of Wausau recently ratified a new two-year contract. Wages were increased 2% retro to 1-1-07. Another 1% pay increase is set for 7-1-07. Next year wages will increase again by 2% on 1-1-08 and 7-1-08. The classifications of Parking Facility Coordinator, Sewer Construction Worker II and Trade Tech I received an extra 6¢/hour. Longevity pay was increased by $5.00/month for each step and a new 25-year step was added worth $55/month. The City agreed to continue paying 92% of the single and family health insurance premiums. A new cold weather gear provision was added worth $50/year.
ASHLAND. . .City of Ashland DPW workers, members of Local 216-A, have a new 2007-2009 contract. Wages were increased 2% retroactive to 1-1-07. Another 0.5% increase is set for 7-1-07. A 3% pay hike is scheduled for 1-1-08 and another 3% increase will be applied on 1-1-09. Engineering Technicians were added to the bargaining unit. The City agreed to continue paying 85% of the single and family health insurance premiums and 90% of the single and family dental insurance premiums. Clothing allowance went from $150/year to $175 in 2008 and $200 in 2009. Several language improvements were part of the settlement.
May 2007
DUNN COUNTY. . .The bargaining units of Dunn County’s Joint Council of Unions, which includes courthouse, human services, highway, health care, and law enforcement employees, have new 3-year agreements. Effective 1/1/07, all employees received a 2% increase. Effective 7/1/07 wages increase an additional 1%. A 3% increase is scheduled for 1/1/08 and a 2.5% increase is scheduled for 1/1/09. Several employee groups received additional wage adjustments on 1/1/07 prior to the general increase: deputy clerk of court - 25¢/hour; deputy sheriffs - 20¢/hour; court security - 50¢/hour; jailers - 85¢/hour; highway - 5¢/hour. Jailers receive an additional wage adjustment of 25¢/hour 1/1/08. Currently, the Employer contributes 95% to the single and family health insurance premiums. The contribution drops to 94% 7/1/07, 93% 1/1/08, and 92.5% 1/1/09.
RACINE. . .Waterworks employees in Racine, members of Local 63, recently settled a new three-year contract. Wages were increased by 3% retroactive to 1/1/06. Another 3% pay increase was applied back to 1/1/07. On 7/1/07 there’s another half percent wage increase. On 1/1/08 wages will go up 3.25%. Pay increases were also applied to shift premiums and stand-by rates. For employees with DNR licenses, the premium was increased by 5¢/hour. Effective 1/1/07 the Employer will pay 95% of the single and family health insurance premiums (was 100%), with employee contributions capped at $30/month single and $60/month family ($40/$70 in 2008). A new provision was added worth $100/year for employees who don’t use sick leave. A compensatory time provision was added. Meter readers are now provided vehicles instead of using their own cars.
SAWYER COUNTY. . .Members of Local 1213 who work for Sawyer County in three separate units of courthouse, professional and paraprofessional employees have ratified new 2007-2008 contracts. Wage rates for all were increased 2% retro to 2/1/07. Another 1% increase is set for 8/1/07; an additional 2% on 2/1/08; and a final 1% increase on 8/1/08. Many classification adjustments were part of the settlements, including an extra $1.00/hour for both Forester classifications, 25¢/hour for Personal Care Workers and RNs, 15¢/hour for Mechanics and Social Workers and 50¢/hour over two years for Parent Aides. The County will continue paying 88% of the single and family health insurance premiums, but deductibles were increased. Mileage reimbursement went from 40¢ to 44¢/mile. Funeral leave along with other language provisions were improved.
ELMBROOK. . .School secretaries who work in the Elmbrook schools, members of Local 1163, have a new two-year contract. Wages were increased 3.5% retro to 7/1/06. Another increase of 51¢/hour is set for 7/1/07. The District will continue paying 97% of the single and family health insurance premiums and 100% of the single and family dental insurance premiums. Layoff and recall language was completely overhauled. A new Medicare "carve-out" benefit was added.
HARTFORD. . .City of Hartford employees in the DPW and City Hall and Library, members of Local 1432 and 1432-B, have new three-year contracts. Wages were increased 3% retro to 1/1/07. Additional 3% pay hikes are set for 1/1/08 and 1/1/09. In the City Hall unit, the DPW Secretary position received an extra $1.87/hour; the Cashier an extra 96¢; and the Engineering Aide an extra $1.24/hour. The City will continue paying 100% of the single and family health insurance premiums, but some benefits will change in 2008. The Employer will continue paying 100% of the single and 75% of the family dental insurance premiums. Bereavement Leave was improved. Retiree health insurance will be status quo for current employees. New employees will have a VEBA with the City contributing $100/month single and $400/month family. For CDL holders, a new provision protecting the job in the event the CDL is lost.
ASHLAND. . .Housing Authority employees in Ashland, members of Local 216-M, have a new two-year contract. Wages were increased 3% on 4/1/07. Another 3% pay increase is set for 4/1/08. The Employer will continue paying 85% of the single and family health insurance premiums.
June 2007
GRAFTON. . .Village of Grafton water utility employees, members of Local 108, recently ratified a new contract. Wages were increased 3% retro to 1/1/07. Another 3.25% pay hike is set for 1/1/08. The Village will continue to pay 95% of the single and family health insurance premiums in 2007 and will pay 94%, single and family, in 2008. The work shoe allowance went from $35/year to $100/every two years.
CHIPPEWA COUNTY. . .Highway Department workers in Chippewa County, members of Local 736, have a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 53¢/hour (3%) retro to 1/1/07. Effective 7/1/07, Mechanics received an extra 15¢/hour. On 1/1/08 another 3% wage increase will be applied, followed by another 3% on 1/1/09. The County will pay 94% of the single and family health insurance premiums in 2007; 93% in 2008; and 92% in 2009. A new provision protecting jobs in the event of CDL loss was added.
HURLEY. . .City of Hurley police officers and employees in the DPW, members of Local 728-A in two separate bargaining units, recently ratified new three-year contracts. Wage rates will increase 3% on 1/1/08. Additional 3% pay hikes are set for 1/1/09 and 1/1/10. In the police unit, the positions of sergeant and patrol officers received an extra increase of 7¢/hour prior to the percentage increases. The City has agreed to continue paying 100% of the single and family health insurance premiums throughout the contracts’ term. A new vision insurance plan was added with the Employer paying the premiums, but there’s a reopener if the premium increase exceeds 25%. The vacation accrual schedule was improved substantially. Funeral Leave and Layoff language were also improved.
HUSTISFORD. . .Our new members of Local 1323 who work for the Village of Hustisford recently ratified their first labor agreement. Along with all the usual contract protections and benefits, this first agreement brings wage increases of 2% retroactive to 1/1/06. Another 2.5% wage hike was applied retro to 7/1/07. Another .75% pay increase is set for 7/1/07. Next year, wages will go up 3% on 1/1/08 and .25% on 7/1/08. The Village will pay 92% of the single and family health insurance premiums this year and next.
BAYFIELD COUNTY. . .Members of Local 1731 who work for Bayfield County in the Human Services and Courthouse bargaining unit have a new 2007-2009 contract. Wage increases of 2% on 1/1 and 1% on 7/1 in each of the three years are part of the settlement. The County will continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Several changes to the health care plan were made along with a side letter establishing a HRA for the duration. Sick Leave and Commiseration Leave were improved.
DODGE COUNTY. . .Members of the various chapters of Local 1323 and Local 1576 in Dodge County recently ratified a 3% wage increase effective 2/15/07. They’re in the last year of three-year contracts that have a wage re-opener for 2007. The County will continue to pay 100% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Together both locals represent members in six bargaining units at the Dodge County Health Facility, Highway Department, Courthouse and Social Services Department, and Sheriff’s Department.
KENOSHA. . .Secretarial and Clerical employees who work for the Kenosha Unified School District, members of Local 2383, have a new two-year contract. Wage rates were increased 3.25% retroactive to 7-1-05. Another 3.25% pay hike was applied retro to 7-1-06. The District agreed to pay 98% of the single and family health insurance premiums (had been 99%). Deductibles were increased to $300/single and $600/family (up $50 and $100). The District will continue to pay 100% of the single and family dental insurance premiums. Several language improvements in the areas of job posting, leave of absence, and layoff and bumping were also part of the settlement.
WAUSAU. . .City Hall employees in Wausau, members of Local 1287, recently ratified a new 2007-2008 contract. Wages were increased 2% retro to 1-1-07 with another 1% hike set for 7-1-07. The same 2%/1% wage split is scheduled for 2008. Longevity pay was improved by adding a new 25-year step worth $55/month. The City agreed to continue paying 92% of the single and family health insurance premiums. School crossing guards will now receive pro-rated longevity pay and fowl weather gear.
WAUKESHA. . .Members of Local 97 represented in five separate bargaining units in the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Library, Cemetery, Building Inspection, and Street and Parks Departments, have new 2007-2009 contracts. Wage rates for all classifications in all units increased 2.95% retroactive to 1-1-07 with another 5¢/hour added with the first payroll following January 1. The same 2.95% plus 5¢/hour will be applied for all Local 97 members in 2008 and 2009. The Employer will continue paying 95% of the single and family health insurance premiums, with the employees’ share capped at monthly dollar amounts no more than $27.50/single and $82/family by 2009. Some minor plan design changes were implemented 2/07. The City will continue to pay 100% of the single and family dental insurance premiums. Sick leave payout at retirement was increased from 120 to 125 days and at death from 50% to 100% to the estate. Funeral leave and vacation time were improved. At the Library, four upward reclassifications worth $1.09/hour were part of the Library settlement. The safety shoe allowance in the blue collar units was increased from $75 to $100.
ASHLAND. . .Private sector Cooks who work in the Ashland County jail, members of Local 216-F, have a new four-year contract. Wages went up 3% retroactive to 1-1-07. Additional 3% wage increases are set for 1-1-08 and 1-1-09. There’s a wage reopener for 2010. Health insurance premium payment is the same as for County workers. Several language improvements are part of the settlement.
July 2007
MENASHA. . .DPW employees and bridge-tenders in Menasha, members of Local 1035, recently ratified a new two-year contract. Wages were increased 2% retroactive to 1/1/07. Another 1% was applied 7/1/07. A 2.5% pay increase is set for 1/1/08, followed by 1.5% on 7/1/08. The City will pay 95% of the single and family HMO premiums and 92% of the POS Plan premiums. In 2008 those payments go to 93% and 91%. In both years, the employee’s share of the costs are capped at dollar amounts. The City will continue to provide dental and vision insurance. Mechanics’ tool allowance was increased from $240 to $300. Language was added to provide job protection in the event of the loss of a CDL because of off-duty infractions.
NEW LONDON. . .Educational support staff employees working for the New London Public Schools, members of Local 198, settled a new two-year contract. Wages increased 2.5% retroactive to 7/1/06 and increased another 2.5% 7/1/07. Special needs para-educators & library aides received an additional upgrade of 15¢/hour. The District continues to pay 90% of single and family health and dental insurance. Part-time employees working at least 3½ hours per day continue to receive prorated benefits. Benefit improvements include expanded funeral leave, improved job posting language, and no loss of pay when participating in negotiations, grievance proceedings or interviewing for job vacancies.
HORICON. . .City of Horicon police officers, members of Local 1323D, have a new 3-year agreement. On 1/1/06 all wages increased 10¢/hour plus 2% with an additional 1% lift 7/1/06. Wages increased 2% 1/1/07 with an additional lift of 1% 7/1/07 and a 2%/1% split is also scheduled for 2008. Effective 1/1/07 employees now contribute $20/month towards single insurance and $35/month for family insurance. Travel meal allowance increased to $40/day. Officers scheduled to work on a holiday and called in early or held over will get double time for those hours. Officers working unscheduled time on a holiday shall receive either 2½ times pay or 1½ times pay with an additional day off on another date at the officer’s option.
TAYLOR COUNTY. . .Courthouse employee members of Local 3679 have a new 2-year agreement. Wages increased 3% 1/1/07. Wages increase an additional 3% 1/1/08. Employees continue to pay $30/month for single health insurance and $75/month for family health insurance. Sick leave conversion at retirement improved from 40 days cash or equivalent contribution towards retiree insurance to 70 days cash or towards retiree insurance. "Friend" was added to the 1 day funeral leave list.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS. . .Clerical employees here, members of Local 1075, have a new 3-year contract. Wages increased 2.9% 1/1/07 and additional 2.9% increases are scheduled for 1/1/08 and 1/1/09. The Employer continues to contribute 90% of the premium cost for single and family health insurance.
KEWASKUM. . .Members of Local 1061 who work for the Village of Kewaskum recently ratified a new 2007-2009 Agreement. Wages were increased 3% retroactive to 1/1/07. An additional 1% increase will be applied on 12/31/07. Four more 2% pay hikes are set for 1/1 and 7/1 of 2008 and 2009. Cost saving changes in the health insurance were agreed to beginning in 2008, with the Employer continuing to pay 92.5% of the single and family premiums. Added also were annual Employer contributions to employee FSAs: $750, single; $1,500 employee plus one; and $2,500 for family coverage. Language improvements were also part of the settlement.
August 2007
HAMILTON SCHOOL DISTRICT. . .Members of Local 3086 who provide maintenance and custodial services to the Hamilton School District (Waukesha County) have a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 2% on 7/1/07. Another 1% hike is set for 1/1/08, to be followed by 2% on 7/1/08, 1% on 1/1/09 and an additional 3% on 7/1/09. Maintenance Technicians received an extra 25¢/hour for refrigerant certifications. The Employer will continue to pay all but $30/month family and $15/month single for health insurance premiums. Shift differentials were increased by 5¢/hour to 25¢ for 2nd and 40¢ for 3rd shift. An additional day of vacation was added to most steps. Retiree health insurance was improved.
MOUNT PLEASANT. . .Employees who work in the Mount Pleasant Village Hall, members of Local 864, have a new two-year contract. Wages were increased 3% retroactive to 1/1/07. Another 3% pay hike is set for 1/1/08. The Employer has agreed to continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums, with the employee’s share capped at $100/month in 2007 and $110/month in 2008. Paid time off for part-time employees was added.
CALEDONIA. . .Members of Local 864 who work in Caledonia in a professional and general bargaining units have new 2007-2009 contracts. Wages in both units were increased 3% retro to 1/1/07. Another 3% wage increase is set for 1/1/08, to be followed by a 2.5% hike on 1/1/09. A new Public Health Specialist classification was added to the professional unit and a new Account Clerk classification was added to the general unit. The Employer will pay 94% of the single and family health insurance premiums in the first two years. In 2009, 93% will be paid. Sick leave maximum accumulation was increased from 190 to 196 days. The clothing allowance and funeral leave provisions were improved in the general unit.
OMRO. . .City of Omro DPW, Water, Sewer and City Hall employees, members of Local 1838, recently ratified a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 3.38% retroactive to 1/1/07. On 1/1/08 wage rates will increase 65¢/hour across the board (3.38% on average) with another 65¢/hour increase set for 1/1/09. The Clerk/ Dispatch classification received an upgrade. In 2007, the Employer will pay 100% of the single and family health insurance premiums. In 2008, the employees will pay $15/month single and $30/month for family coverage. In 2009, the employee share will go to $25/month single and $50/month family. Sick leave maximum went from 115 to 120 days. New shift differential and pager premiums were added.
MERTON SCHOOL DISTRICT. . .Members of Local 3833 who work for the Merton School District (Waukesha County) have a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 3.5% on 7/1/07. An additional 3% pay increase is set for 7/1/08 with another 3% scheduled for 7/1/09. The Maintenance classification received an extra $1.00/hour effective 7/1/07. The Employer will continue to pay 100% of the single health insurance premium and 85% of the family premium. A second paid personal business day was added for employees with more than 10 years of service.
September 2007
MENASHA. . .Police department support staff and city hall employees in Menasha recently ratified a new 2007-2008 contract. Wages were increased 2% retro to 1/1/07 with another 1% effective 7/1/07. On 1/1/08 wage rates will increase another 2.5% followed by 1.5% on 7/1/08. Several clerical classifications received an extra 25¢/hour in 2007 with an extra 35¢/hour in 2008. For health insurance, the City will pay 95% of the HMO plan premium in 2007 with a cap of $70/month on the employee’s share; 94% will be paid in 2008 with a cap of $95/month for employees. For the POS plan, the City will pay 92% in 2007 and 91% in 2008 with employee caps of $125 in 2007 and $165 in 2008. Premium share for dental and vision insurance will match that for the health coverage selected.
PRENTICE. . .Members of Local 1405-C who work for the Prentice School District in a wall-to-wall bargaining unit have a new two-year contract. Wages were increased 2.5% retro to 7/1/06 with another 3.5% increase applied on 7/1/07. The District will continue to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. For dental insurance, the District will pay $561.84/year for family coverage and $287.52/year for single coverage.
ADAMS-FRIENDSHIP. . .School district bus drivers and other support staff, members of Local 2165 in two separate units, have new three-year contracts. For custodians, clericals, educational assistants and food service staff, wages were increased 3% retroactive to 7/1/06. Another 2% increase was applied 7/1/07. A 2.5% wage hike is set for 7/1/08. A new 30-year pay step was added bringing an additional 30¢/hour for those at the top. Bus drivers received 3% wage increases effective 7/1/07 and 7/1/08. The District will continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums, with the possibility of a re-opener on the subject in the third year if premiums increase more than 13%. Cooks will receive $50/year for work clothes and shoes. Bus drivers who keep a bus at their residence will receive $40/year for using the engine block heater. Bus drivers will have two new paid holidays. Many other language improvements were part of both settlements.
KEWAUNEE. . .Police officers, who work for the City of Kewaunee, members of Local 1778, recently ratified a new three-year agreement. Wages will be increased 4.75% on 1/1/08. Additional 3% pay increases will be applied 1/1/09 and 1/1/10. For health insurance, the City will continue to pay 100% of the single premium and 95% of the family premium for the State Plan of coverage. Call-in pay went from a two-hour minimum to three hours. The uniform allowance will increase 3% per year. Shift premiums were increased. Mandatory training pay went from straight time to time and one-half.
WISCONSIN DELLS. . .Members of Local 1401-A, who work for the Wisconsin Dells School District in a wall-to-wall bargaining unit, have ratified a one-year contract. Wages were increased 2.75% retro to 7/1/07. Lead custodians received an extra 25¢/hour. The District will continue to pay 100% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Several language improvements were part of the settlement, including a new PEOPLE Check-Off provision.
MANITOWOC COUNTY. . .AFSCME members who work for Manitowoc County have new labor agreements covering five years. Local 986 members in the Highway Department, Local 986-A members in the Courthouse and Human Services Department, Local 986-B members in the Sheriff’s Department and Local 1288 members who work at the Health Care Center agreed to 3% wage increases on 1/1 in each of the five years, 2006 through 2010. Dispatchers in the Sheriff’s Department received an extra 30¢/hour retroactive to 1/1/06; clericals and cooks will get an extra 13¢/hour on 1/1/08. In the Highway Department, patrolmen went from pay grade II to III; welders, tire repairers and mechanics went from pay grade IV to V. For health insurance, the County had been paying 92% of the single and family premiums. With the new contracts, the County will pay 100% of the single and family premiums for a high deductible plan with 100% of the deductibles reimbursed through HRAs or HSAs. Language improvements were included in some of the new contracts.
MUKWONAGO. . .School district employees in Mukwonago represented by Local 1101 in a wall-to-wall bargaining unit recently ratified a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 6% retroactive to 7/1/07. A 3.5% wage increase is set for 7/1/08 followed by a 2.5% hike on 7/1/09. The District will continue to pay 93% of the single and family health insurance premiums and 100% of the single and family dental insurance premiums. Effective 9/1/07 the insurance plan was changed from the WEAIT POS Plan to a UHC Choice Plus Plan.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS. . .School District Maintenance Custodians and Computer Technicians who work for the Wisconsin Rapids School Disctrict, members of Local 1075, have a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 3% on 7/1/07. Additional 3% pay hikes are set for 7/1/08 and 7/1/09. Employees will now earn 100% of the top wage rate at 6 months instead of 18 months. All Computer Techs were moved to the highest rate for the classification. The Employer will continue to pay 90% of the family health care premium for the duration. Effective 7/1/07, the Employer will pay 95% of the single premium (was 100%) and 90% of the single premium, effective 7/1/08. For dental insurance, the Employer will pay 95% of the family premium (was $50/month) and 100% of the single plan of dental insurance (was $25/month). The vacation earning schedule was improved from 3 weeks after 8 years, 4 after 14 and 5 after 20 to 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 after 10 and 5 weeks after 15 years. Computer Techs now get up to 6 weeks. A new paid holiday was added. Sick leave accumulation and usage rules were improved. New language was added protecting current employees from any subcontracting for services. Language regarding disciplinary actions was improved.
STEVENS POINT. . .Members of Local 309 who work in the Stevens Point DPW recently ratified a new contract. Wages were increased 3% retro to 1/1/07. Another 3% wage increase is set for 1/1/08. The City will continue to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Deductibles went from $100/$200 to $250/$500 by 2008. Other plan changes were part of the settlement. Bonus days for not using sick leave went from 2 to a maximum of 4 per year.
October 2007
COMBINED LOCKS. . .DPW employees who work for the Village of Combined Locks, members of Local 2046, have a new three-year contract. Wages were increased 3% retroactive to 1/1/07. An additional 3% pay hike is set for 1/1/08 to be followed by 2.5% on 1/1/09 and 1.5% on 7/1/09. For health insurance, the Village will pay 92% for single and family coverage in 2007. In 2008 and 2009 the Village will pay 91% and 90%. Mechanics’ clothing allowance went from $250/year to $500. The funeral leave provision was also improved.
HURLEY. . .Custodial, clerical and food service employees who work for the Hurley School District, members of Local 728-B, recently ratified a new contract. Wages were increased 3.8% retroactive to 7/1/07. Another 3% wage increase is set for 7/1/08. The District has agreed to continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums with no change in the plan.
WAUKESHA COUNTY. . .Waukesha County employees who work in the courthouse and related facilities, members of Local 2494, have a new 3-year contract. Wage rates were increased 2% retro to 1/6/07. Another 1% was applied back to 7/7/07. Next year wages will increase 2% on 3/29/08 and 2% on 9/27/08. In the last year, wages go up 2% on 1/3/09 followed by 1% on 7/4/09. LPNs will get an extra $1.00/hour on 1/3/09. Also on 1/3/09 COTAs get an extra 75¢/hour and human service support staff get an additional 35¢/hour. The County will continue to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. New post-employment County contributions toward health insurance were added along with improvement in the sick leave payout for post-employment health care.
SUPERIOR. . .School District employees in a wall-to-wall bargaining unit represented by Local 1397 ratified a new contract. Wages were increased 1.25% on 7/1/07. Another 2% pay hike is set for 7/1/08. On 7/1/07 health assistants received an extra 50¢/hour and two engineer/custodian classifications got an extra 25¢/hour. The School District will continue to pay 100% of the family, single plus one, and single health insurance premiums. The funeral leave provision was improved along with many other language clarifications.
HURLEY. . .City of Hurley Police Officers and DPW employees, members of Local 728-A, in separate bargaining units recently settled 3-year contracts. Wages will increase 3% on 1/1/08. Sergeants and patrol officers will get an extra 7¢/hour before the general increase. Additional 3% pay hikes are scheduled for 1/1/09 and 1/1/10. The City will continue to pay 100% of the single and family health insurance premiums. A new vision insurance plan was added with the City paying the premiums. The vacation improved by providing 4 weeks after 12 years (was 15 years) and 5 weeks after 17 years (was 20 years). One additional day will be provided for each year after 20 (was 21) up to a maximum of 6 weeks. Recall after layoff was lengthened to years of service (was 2 year recall). Funeral leave was also improved.
MANITOWOC. . .Members of Local 731 who work at the Manitowoc Wastewater Treatment Plant recently ratified back-to-back contracts covering five years. Wages were increased 2% retroactive to 1/1/05 and 1.5% back to 9/1/05. Additional 3% increases were provided retro to 1/1/06 and 1/1/07. In 2008 and 2009 wages will increase 3% on 1/1 or 90% of the increase in the cost of living in the previous year, whichever is greater. The employer will pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums (was 95% family and 100% single). In trade for the lower premium payment, longevity pay was increased by 5¢/hour in 2007, 6¢ in 2008 and 7¢ in 2009, among other wage improvements. Many language improvements were also part of the new agreement.
SUPERIOR. . .Housing Authority employees in Superior, members of Local 244-A have a new 2008-2010 contract. Wages will increase 3% on 1/1 in each of the 3 years. The working foreman classification will get an extra $1.50/hour on 7/1/08. The employer will continue to pay 100% of the health insurance premiums. On-call pay increased from $160/week to $170 effective 1/1/09. The employer will also contribute $250/year to a flex benefit account regardless of whether the employee participates in the health insurance plan.
November 2007
KIEL. . .Police officers here, members of Local 1362, ratified a new three-year agreement. Effective 1/1/07, wages increased 3%. A 3.25% increase is scheduled for 1/1/08 and a 3.5% increase is scheduled for 1/1/09. The Employer continues to pay 94% of the single and family health insurance premiums. In-network deductibles increase from $225/single and $500/family to $300/single and $600/family. Out-of-network deductibles increase from $400/single, $800/family in 2007 to $500/single, $1,000/family in 2008 and to $600/single, $1,200/family in 2009. Significant benefit changes include 36 month recall from layoff, comp time accrual of 24 hours, minimum 3 hours payment for court appearances, and an expanded educational reimbursement policy.
PLYMOUTH. . .Members of Local 1749-B, employed by the Plymouth School District, recently ratified a new 3-year contract. Wages increased 3% retroactive to 7/1/07. Wages increase 3.25% on 7/1/08 and 3% on 7/1/09. In addition, the newly created Building Secretary position receives a 15¢/hour adjustment above the rate for Secretary I. Effective 7/1/08, employees will contribute 5% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Benefit improvements include use of sick leave to care for grandchildren, New Year’s Eve as a full holiday rather than ½ day, and accrual of ½ day of sick leave during the summer break for 9 month employees.
WINNEBAGO COUNTY...Bridgetenders here, members of Local 1280U, recently ratified a new 3-year agreement. Wages increased 2% on 1/1/07 and 1% on 7/1/07. Additional 2% and 1% lifts are scheduled for 2008 and again in 2009. Bridgetenders will receive a 25¢/hour adjustment on 1/1/08 and 1/1/09 in addition to the percentage increases. The Employer has agreed to continue paying 85% of the single and family health insurance premiums with the following caps: $85/month single, $170/month family for 2007; $90/month single, $180/month family for 10/1/07; $95/month single, $190/month family for 2008; $100/month single, $200/month family for 10/1/08; $105/month single, $210/month family for 1/1/09 and $110/month single, $220/month family for 10/1/09. A 5-tier drug plan has been implemented. Benefit improvements include 18 months recall from layoff and enhanced funeral leave.
WINNEBAGO COUNTY. . .Parkview Health Center employees, members of Local 1280, recently ratified a new 3-year contract. Wages increased 1.5% on 1/1/07 and another 1.5% on 7/1/07. Additional 1.5% lifts are scheduled for 1/1/08, 7/1/08, 1/1/09, and 7/1/09. The Employer has agreed to continue paying 85% of the single and family health insurance premiums with the following caps: $85/month single, $170/month family for 2007; $90/month single, $180/month family for 2008; and $95/month single, $190/month family for 2009. A 5-tier drug plan has been implemented. As part of the settlement, employees received an additional floating holiday and improved layoff/bumping language.
NEW LISBON. . .City employees here, members of Local 569-A, have a new 3-year agreement. Wages will be increased 3.5% on 1/1/08, to be followed by a 72¢/hour increase on 1/1/09 and a 3.5% increase on 1/1/10. In addition, the lead DPW, lead water and lead electrician each received $1.50/hour classification adjustments. The Employer will continue to pay up to 105% of the lowest cost health care plan offered. Benefit improvements include 6 weeks of vacation after 30 years, a safety shoe allowance of $125 and safety glasses allowance of $300.
PEPIN. . .Members of Local 3152, who work at Heyde Health System’s Pepin Manor facility, have a new 2-year contract. Wages increased 2% on 7/1/07 and employees receive an additional 1.5% lift on their anniversary date. Wages increase another 2% on 7/1/08 and employees receive an additional 1.5% lift on their anniversary date. The Employer continues to pay over half of the health insurance premiums for eligible employees.
HOWARD-SUAMICO. . .Employees of the Howard-Suamico School District, members of Local 3055, recently ratified a new two-year contract. Wages were increased 75¢/hour on 7/1/07, with another 75¢/hour wage hike set for 7/1/08. The District has agreed to continue paying 95% of the health insurance premiums.
KEWAUNEE. . .DPW and clerical employees who work for the City of Kewaunee recently ratified a new 3-year contract. Wages will be increased 3% on 1/1/08, to be followed by additional 3% pay hikes at the beginning of 2009 and 2010. The payroll clerk position will receive an extra 3% on 1/1/08 while the deputy clerk treasurer will get an extra 2%. While the health insurance premiums increased 10.3%, no change in the percentage paid by the Employer changed. Vacation, clothing allowance, and night work bonus provisions were all improved. A new provision protecting jobs in the event of CDL suspension was added, along with several other language improvements.
December 2007
BROWN COUNTY. . .Library clerks and library paraprofessionals, members of Local 1901-C and 1901-D, respectively, have new two-year contracts. Wages increased 1.5% on 1/1/07 and again on 7/1/07. Additional 1.5% lifts are scheduled for 1/1/08 and 7/1/08. The Employer continues to pay 92.5% of the single and family PPO premiums. Deductibles increase 12/31/07 from $200/single to $250/single and $600/family to $700/family. A 3-tier drug formulary has been implemented with the following co-pays: 20% generic, 25% preferred, 25% plus $15 surcharge for non-preferred. The penalty for non-emergency use of the emergency room increases from $25 to $50.
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY. . .Local 1749 has a new two-year agreement. The Highway Department employees received a 3% raise 1/1/07 with another 3% coming 1/1/08. The Employer continues to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums and 100% of the dental insurance premiums. Effective 1/1/08, health plan modifications include moving hospitalization and physician services to "major medical" (deductibles and coinsurance apply) but most preventative services will no longer be subject to deductibles or coinsurance. As part of the settlement, all employees with 10 or more years of service receive an additional day of vacation.