January 2008JACKSON. . .Village of Jackson employees, members of Local 1061, have a three-year agreement. Wages increased 3% 1/1/07 and 3.25% 1/1/08. A 3.5% increase is scheduled for 1/1/09. As part of the settlement, the Village will now pay 92.5% of the single and family health insurance premiums (was 95.5%). Benefit improvements include improved banking of compensatory time (from 40 hours to 60 hours/year) and 100% payout of accumulated sick leave at retirement (was 60%). In addition, the Village agreed to place limits on supervisors performing bargaining unit work.
EAU CLAIRE. . .Eau Claire County’s Joint Council of Unions, comprised of highway, parks, courthouse clerical, courthouse professional, human services clerical, and human services professional employees, have a two-year agreement. The settlement provides a 2% increase retroactive to 1/1/07 with a 1% lift retroactive to 7/1/07. A 2% increase occurred on 1/1/08 with a 1% increase to follow on 7/1/08. The County paid 94% of single and family health insurance premiums in 2007 and will pay 93% of health insurance premiums in 2008.
KIEL. . .Street, water and wastewater workers here, members of Local 1362, have a new three-year contract. Effective 1/1/07, wages increased 3%. A 3.25% increase went into effect 1/1/08 and a 3.5% increase is scheduled for 1/1/09. The Employer continues to pay 94% at 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 and codification of the certification and training expense reimbursement policy.
February 2008
WISCONSIN DELLS. . .DPW, City Hall, and Library employees in Wisconsin Dells, members of Local 1401-A, have a new 3-year contract. Wages increased 2% on 1/1/08 and an additional 2% lift is scheduled for 7/1/08. Two percent splits are also scheduled for 1/1 and 7/1 in ‘09 and ‘10. The library clerk position receives an additional 50¢/hour adjustment prior to the overall wage increase and the maintenance mechanic position has been reclassified to leadman. The City continues to provide the state plan health insurance options. The Employer also continues to pay 90% of the dental insurance premiums.
WAUKESHA. . .Waukesha School District’s custodial, clerical, educational assistants, and food service employees, all members of Local 2485, have a new 3-year contract. By agreeing to a different insurance plan, all groups received a significant wage increase the first year of the contract. Education assistants and clerical employees received a 4.9% increase retroactive to 7/1/07. Custodial and food service employees received a 4.5% increase retroactive to 7/1/07. All employees are scheduled to receive a 2.75% increase 7/1/08. Custodial and food service employees will receive a 2.75% increase 7/1/09. Educational assistants and clericals will receive a 2.35% increase 7/1/09. These wage increases were achieved by agreeing to switch from a WEA Point of Service plan to a WEA Trust Preferred plan.
BROWN COUNTY. . .Library professional employees here, members of Local 1901-B, have a new 2-year contract. Wages increased 1.5% on 1/1/07 and again on 7/1/07. Wages increased 1.5% on 1/1/08 and an additional 1.5% lift is scheduled for 7/1/08. The Employer continues to pay 92.5% of the single and family PPO premiums. Deductibles increased on 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.
WINNEBAGO COUNTY. . .Local 1903's highway, parks and landfill employees have a new 3-year agreement. In 2007, wages increased 2% on 1/1/07 and another 1% on 7/1/07. On 1/1/08, wages increased 2% and a 1% increase is scheduled for 7/1/08; a 2% increase is scheduled for 1/1/09 and a final 1% increase is set for 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 receive a second floating holiday 1/1/08 and a third floating holiday 1/1/09 (previously had 1 floating holiday). As a tradeoff, new hires now have an additional 6 months at each step of the salary schedule.
March 2008
IRON COUNTY. . .Courthouse, Human Services, and Health Department employees represented by Local 728-D have approved a new contract for the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. The mediated settlement features wage increases of 50¢ on January 1 each year, no changes in the health insurance benefit and premium share, the establishment of a PEHP program and improvements in vacation accrual, standby pay and funeral leave.
STURGEON BAY. . .School District employees here, members of Local 1658, have recently settled a new 3-year contract. All wages increased 3% retroactive to 7/1/07. Additional 3% increases are scheduled for 7/1/08 and 7/1/09. The Employer continues to pay 90% of single and family health insurance premiums. The Employer now offers an HRA/403(b) option that contributes $450/year for single coverage and $900/year for family coverage. Employees can now carry over up to one week of vacation from year to year.
PRICE COUNTY. . .Highway Department employees here, members of Local 1405, have a new 2-year contract. All wages increased 2% 1/1/08 with an additional 1% increase scheduled for 7/1/08. Another 2%/1% split is scheduled for 2009. As part of the settlement, wayside maintenance workers moved up one classification and foremen received an additional 25¢/hour on top of the general wage increase. The Employer continues to pay 90% of single and family health insurance premiums.
CEDARBURG. . .DPW and Wastewater employees for the City of Cedarburg, members of Local 108, have a new 3-year contract. All wages increased 3% effective 1/1/08 and additional 3% lifts are scheduled for 1/1/09 and 1/1/10. The City agreed to consolidate the crewperson position into the higher paying operator position resulting in $4 to $6/hour increases for crewpersons during the term of the contract. The parties agreed to a new Health Savings Account (HSA) plan to generate cost savings. In addition, the City will contribute $250/person each year to the newly created deferred compensation plan.
LINCOLN COUNTY. . .Courthouse workers, Correctional Officers, and 911 Dispatchers who work here, all members of Local 332-A, have a new 2-year agreement. On 1/1/08 all rates increased 2%. All rates will increase another 1% 7/1/08. On 1/1/09 rates increase 1.5% with an additional lift of 1.5% on 7/1/09. Employees will continue to pay $20/month single and $35/month family for health insurance premiums with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $700/single and $1,300/family for in-network coverage and $1,100/single and $2,100/family for outside of network. The 4-tier drug formulary is as follows: $0 for Tier 1, $20 for Tier 2, $35 for Tier 3, and 25% for Tier 4, which has a $1,000 annual maximum co-pay. The lifetime maximum for health insurance coverage increased from $1 million to $2 million. Preventative care coverage increased from $200 to $500. Other benefit changes include the addition of 2nd and 3rd shift wage differentials for Correctional Officers and 911 Operators and adding step-parents to funeral leave.
IRON COUNTY. . .Highway Department employees here, members of Local 728, have a new 3-year contract. All employees received a 50¢/hour increase effective 1/1/08. Additional 50¢/hour increases are scheduled for 1/1/09 and 1/1/10. The County continues to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Benefit improvements include the following: the clothing allowance increases from $250/year in 2008 to $300/year in 2009 to $350/year in 2010; Christmas Eve becomes a full-day holiday (was ½ day); and employees may now substitute sick leave under FMLA for care of immediate family members with serious health conditions.
April 2008
ASHLAND. . .City Hall and Library employees in the City of Ashland, members of Local 216, have a new three-year contract. Effective 1/1/08, all wages increased 3%. Additional 3% increases are scheduled for 1/1/09 and 1/1/10. The City continues to pay 85% of the premium for single and family health insurance and 90% of dental insurance. Substantive language changes include clarified promotion and layoff language, establishment of a reclassification procedure, and language defining and restricting the use of limited term employees (LTE’s).
RHINELANDER. . .DPW, Water, Wastewater, and Parks employees here, members of Local 1226, have a new two-year agreement. All workers will receive a 4% raise effective 7/1/08. A 2% raise is scheduled for 1/1/09 with an additional increase of 2% on 7/1/09. The City continues to contribute 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. The previously agreed to HRA is still in effect. Benefit improvements include doubling the boot allowance to $100/year and changing the flat-dollar longevity pay to percentages of base salary (up to 2% after 20 years).
May 2008
DODGE COUNTY. . .Highway workers here have reached a settlement for a 2008-2010 collective bargaining agreement. Local 1323 won wage increases of 2.5% on January 1, 2008; .5% on July 1, 2008; 3% on January 1, 2009; 2.5% on January 1, 2010; and .5% on July 1, 2010. They also preserved the County contribution of 105% of the lowest cost option in the State insurance plan. Other benefit changes include partial reimbursement of safety shoes, prescription safety glasses, and an improved tool allowance.
SUSSEX. . .Village of Sussex employees, members of Local 3086, have a new 2-year contract. All wages increased 3% effective 1/1/08. Another 3% increase is scheduled for 1/1/09. The following classifications received additional adjustments: Administrative Assistant - 42¢/hour in 2008 and 2009; Assistant to Development Director and Assistant to Finance Director - 24¢/hour in 2008 and 2009; Receptionist - 16¢/hour in 2008 and 2009. The Village continues to pay 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. The settlement also provides a significantly improved vacation schedule. Starting year one, employees receive 10 days of vacation and receive one additional day of vacation each year to a maximum of 25 days. As the old policy did not reach the maximum until after 19 years, a new employee will now get an additional 63 days of vacation during the first 19 years on the job.
MENASHA. . .Linemen and general employees who work for the Menasha Utilities, all members of Local 1269, have a 3-year contract for the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. For the linemen, wages increase 2% on 4/1/08; 1.5% on 7/1/08; 3% on 1/1/09; and 3.25% on 1/1/10. For the general employees wages increase 2% on 3/1/08; 1.75% on 7/1/08; 3% on 1/1/09; and 3% on 1/1/10. In addition to the across-the-board increases, the technician assistants received an additional 30¢/hour and coal & ash workers received an additional 40¢/hour. In exchange for agreeing to a high deductible PPO plan, the Employer continues to pay 100% of the insurance premiums and provides significant contributions towards a health reimbursement account (HRA) and health savings account (HSA) that greatly offset high PPO deductibles.
KENOSHA COUNTY. . .Parks workers, represented by Local 1090, have reached a settlement for a 2008-2010 collective bargaining Agreement. The settlement provides wage increases of 2.5% on 1/1/08; 2% on 1/1/09; 1% on 7/1/09; and 2.5% on 1/1/10. The County continues to pay 100% of the health insurance premiums. Retirees are now in the same insurance risk pool as active employees. Other benefit improvements include higher maximums for the dental plan and post employment benefits.
ROTHSCHILD. . .DPW, wastewater, and clerical employees working for the Village of Rothschild, represented by Local 1287-A, have a new 2-year contract. The settlement provides a 3% wage increase on 1/1/08 and another 3% increase on 1/1/09. The Operator I position received an additional 10¢/hour on 1/1/08 and the working foreman’s stipend increased from $400/month to $600/month. Select clerical positions received the following in lieu of the 3% annual increases: 50¢/hour on 1/1/08, 7/1/08, 1/1/09, and 7/1/09 ($2.00/hour lift over 2 years). Employees who elect health insurance coverage will now pay the following amounts for each 2 week pay period: $73.24 for family, $59.39 for single + 1, and $20.82 for single. The parties also negotiated an improved dental plan, a more generous boot allowance, and 2 hours call-in at the overtime rate for park shelter clean-up.
EAU CLAIRE. . .Custodial and maintenance employees represented by Local 560 have recently come to terms with the School District here for a three-year contract. The contract runs from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010. All employees will see their wage rates increase by 2.5% on July 1 of each contract year. Caps on the Employer contribution for health insurance premiums will be increased by 5% in the last two years of the Agreement.
MERRILL. . .Local 332 and the City of Merrill have recently come to an agreement for a three-year contract for the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. The contract, which covers Department of Public Works employees, increases wage rates by 2% on 1/1/08; 1% on 7/1/08; 2.75% on 1/1/09; and 2.5% on 1/1/10. Health insurance premium sharing contributions remain the same as in the previous Agreement, although the contract does provide for plan design changes. Each employee will receive $750 toward preventative care. The parties also negotiated CDL protections and improvements relating to on-call and uniforms.
DODGE COUNTY. . .Sworn employees working for the sheriff’s department here have reached a settlement for a 2008-2010 collective bargaining Agreement. Local 1323-B won wage increases of 2.5% on January 1, 2008; .5% on July 1, 2008; 3% on January 1, 2009; 2.5% on January 1, 2010; and .5% on July 1, 2010. They also preserved the County contribution of 105% of the lowest cost option in the State insurance plan.
KENOSHA COUNTY. . .County highway workers, represented by Local 70, have reached the terms of a three-year contract for the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. The settlement features wage increases of 2.5% on January 1, 2008; 2% on January 1, 2009; 1% on July 1, 2009; and a 2.5% increase effective January 1, 2010. 100% payment of health insurance premiums were maintained as well as retaining retirees in the pool of active employees. Other improvements were negotiated in the dental insurance plan and post employment benefits.
June 2008
CHILD CARE WORKERS RATIFY CONTRACT. . .Earlier this month, members of AFSCME/Child Care Providers Together overwhelmingly approved their first Agreement with the State of Wisconsin. As announced previously, the Agreement provides new rights and a formal role in the regulatory process for providers represented by the Union. In addition, the State has promised to increase parent subsidies to 75% of the private sector market rates as soon as possible. Congratulations and welcome, AFSCME/CCPT!
OUTAGAMIE. . .Courthouse employees here, members of Local 2046, have a new 3-year Agreement covering 2008-2010. All wages increase 3% effective the first pay period of each year: 12/23/07; 1/4/09; and 12/20/09. In addition, a 12¢/hour quid pro quo was added 3/30/08 in exchange for higher out-of-pocket insurance payments. The County continues to pay 87% of the premiums, but employees are now subject to $250/single and $500/family deductibles and $15 office visit co-pays. The new drug co-pays are $8/generic, $25/formulary, and $40/non-formulary. Benefit improvements include enhanced funeral leave for brother/sister in-law and grandparent/grandchild, Employer contributions to the Section 125 plan, and voluntary participation in a tax-sheltered post-retirement benefit plan.
MENOMINEE COUNTY. . .Human Services Professional Employees here, members of Local 3972, have a new two-year contract. Wages increased 2.5% on 1/1/08 and will increase another 2.5% on 1/1/09. The County continues to pay 81% of single and family health insurance premiums. Limited term employees (LTE’s) are now in the bargaining unit, and the sick leave accumulation cap is now 120 days.
NEW LONDON. . .Local 1756-A’s Street, Park and Wastewater Workers have a new three-year agreement. Employees receive 60¢/hour on 1/1/08; 25¢/hour on 1/1/09; 50¢/hour on 7/1/09; 50¢/hour on 1/1/10; and 25¢/hour on 7/1/10. This equates to an average increase of over 11% over the course of the Agreement. In addition to the general increases above, Grade II Wastewater Operators received a classification adjustment of 20¢/hour on 1/1/08 and Grade III Operators received a classification adjustment of 40¢/hour. The parties agreed to a high deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) plan. The City will fund 75% of the $3,000/family deductible in 2008 and 60% in following years. Employee premium share was reduced from 8% to 4%. Significant benefit improvements include improved longevity pay, stand-by pay, safety clothing and equipment allowance, foreman pay, and subcontracting language.
July 2008
PEPIN COUNTY. . .Highway workers here, members of Local 1946, have a 3-year Agreement covering 2008-2010. Employees received a 3% wage increase effective January 1, 2008. The parties agreed to a wage and health insurance re-opener to discuss those issues in 2009 and 2010. Currently, the County participates in the state health insurance plan and contributes up to 105% of the lowest cost plan offered.
DODGE COUNTY. . .Local 1323-A’s professional employees have a new 3-year contract. The wage schedule provides increases of 2.5% on January 1, 2008; .5% on July 1, 2008; 3% on January 1, 2009; 2.5% on January 1, 2010; and .5% on July 1, 2010. The Employer will continue to contribute up to 105% of the lowest cost qualified state plan. Benefit improvements include an increase for on-call pay from $1.75/hour to $2.25/hour.
WAUKESHA COUNTY. . .Waukesha County social workers, members of Local 902, have a new 3-year Agreement. Wages increased 2% on January 5, 2008; 1% on July 5, 2008; 2% on January 3, 2009; 1% on July 4, 2009; and 2.5% on January 2, 2010. Waukesha County continues to pay 90% of the single and family health and dental insurance. In addition, the County will contribute $450/year in 2008 and $550/year in 2009 and 2010 to the post employment health and welfare plan.
NEILLSVILLE. . .Local 546-C and the City of Neillsville came to an agreement for a 3-year contract for the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. The contract, which covers Department of Public Works employees, increases wage rates by 2% on January 1, 2008; 1% on July 1, 2008; 2% on January 1, 2009; 1% on July 1, 2009; 2% on January 1, 2010; and 1% on July 1, 2010. The City will continue to contribute 90% towards the health insurance premiums. In addition, the City has agreed to language that protects any worker who temporarily loses their Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
August 2008
WISCONSIN DELLS. . .School district employees here, members of Local 1401-A, have a new 2 year contract. Effective 7/1/08, wages will be increased 3%. An additional 3% increase is scheduled for 7/1/09. The employer continues to contribute 100% of the premium cost towards the single and family HMO Plans. The employer will contribute this amount towards the Point of Service Plan, if selected by the employee. Other benefit improvements include extending the use of sick leave to cover the care of ill grandchildren, improved sick leave payout, enhanced meal allowance, and trip bonuses for extra-curricular trip drivers and bus drivers.
NORTHWEST TECHNICAL COLLEGE. . .Maintenance workers at Northwest Technical College, members of Local 3055, have a new 3-year agreement. The settlement calls for increases of 4% on 7/1/08; 4% on 7/1/09 and 4% on 7/1/10. In exchange for the significant wage increases, employees will now pay 10% of the health insurance premiums. Deductibles increase to $250 per individual and $500 per family for in-network coverage, and $500 per individual and $1,000 per family for out-of-network coverage. The maximum out-of-pocket expense for in-network coverage is now $1,500/year and the out-of-network coverage is now $4,500.
MINERAL POINT. . .City of Mineral Point employees, members of Local 1266-B, have a new two-year contract. Effective 1/1/08 all wage rates increased 45¢/hour (average of 2.85%). Effective 1/1/09 wage rates will increase an additional 55¢ (average of 3.4%). The City continues to participate in the State Insurance Plan, contributing 105% of the lowest cost plan. Effective 1/1/08, employee premium contribution is required in addition to any required under the State Plan as follows: in 2008, $10/month for those enrolled in a single plan and $20/month for those enrolled in a family plan; in 2009, $17/month for single plans and $34/month for family plans. The City continues to pay 100% of the single and family dental insurance premiums. As part of the settlement, the City will now pay the equivalent of three months of the Employer’s share of health insurance premiums towards COBRA benefits for any employee with a long-term illness or disability who is terminated after exhausting all available paid leave.
LITTLE CHUTE. . .Local 130-C and the Village of Little Chute came to an agreement for a 2-year contract for the period of
January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. The contract, which covers Department of Public Works employees, increases wages by 3% on January 1, 2008 and another 3% of January 1, 2009. The Employer continues to contribute 90% towards the health insurance premiums. In addition, the Employer agreed to a flex schedule for parks workers as well as language that protects workers who temporarily lose their Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
DODGE COUNTY. . .Jailers and dispatchers here, members of Local 1323-E, have a new 3-year agreement. Wage rates increase 2.5% on 1/1/08; .5% on 7/1/08; 3% on 1/1/09; 2.5% on 1/1/10; and .5% on 7/1/10. The settlement preserves County contribution of 105% of the lowest cost option in the State Insurance Plan. Other benefit changes include a one-time outerwear allowance of $175 effective 7/1/08 and a general uniform allowance of $375 in 2008, $400 in 2009, and $425 in 2010.
September 2008
STOUGHTON. . .Maintenance and custodial workers employed by Stoughton Schools, members of Local 2506, have a two-year contract for 2007 and 2008. Custodians received 50¢/hour effective 7/1/07 and $1.10/hour effective 7/1/08. Maintenance workers received 50¢/hour 7/1/07 and $1.44/hour 7/1/08. In addition, maintenance workers received two additional step increases, thereby raising the maximum pay $2.80/hour during the course of the contract. The Employer continues to pay 100% of the premiums for health and dental insurance and the annual dental benefit maximum increases from $1,000 to $2,000/person. The drug plan changed from $5/generic and $15/name brand to $5/generic, $20/formulary, and $35/nonformulary.
ASHLAND. . .Custodial and maintenance employees of the Ashland School District, members of Local 216, have a new two-year contract. Wages increased 3% effective 7/1/08. If health insurance increases less than 15% next year, wages will increase another 3% on 7/1/09. If health insurance increases more than 15% next year, employees will get a 2% raise. In either case, the Employer continues to pay 100% of the health and dental insurance premiums. In addition, the Employer agreed to 20 minutes for union orientation of new members as well as voluntary PEOPLE contribution check-off.
CHIPPEWA FALLS. . .Local 1241's park and recreation workers reported a three-year settlement. Wages increased 2% on 1/1/08, 1% on 7/1/08, 3% on 1/1/09, 2% on 1/1/10 and 1% on 7/1/10. The City continues to pay 100% of the single health insurance premiums for all three years of the contract. The City will pay 95% of the family health insurance in 2008, 92.5% in 2009 and 92% in 2010.
October 2008
SAUK COUNTY ELECTION WIN. . .The sworn and non-sworn employees of the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department have voted for AFSCME Council 40 representation. With 137 employees eligible to vote, 107 chose to participate in the election – 75 voted for Council 40 representation – 31 voted for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (their previous representative) – 1 voted for no union. Council 40 Organizer Mary Burpee and Staff Rep Neil Rainford deserve particular credit for this impressive win. Welcome, Sauk County Sheriff’s Department employees!
LAFAYETTE COUNTY ELECTION WIN. . .Last week saw another victory as the 26 professional employees in LaFayette County chose to return to AFSCME, Council 40, after five years of representation by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association (WPPA). Of the 22 workers who voted, 19 chose AFSCME and 3 chose WPPA. Credit goes to Organizer Mary Burpee as well as Staff Rep Thor Backus. Welcome back, LaFayette County Professional employees!
MENASHA. . .The paraprofessionals (teachers aides) employed by the Menasha School District have a new 2-year contract covering 7/1/08 through 6/30/10. Wages increase 3% effective 11/1/08 and increase another 3% effective 7/1/09. Although the parapros generally work only during the school year, the Employer had previously agreed to pay 80% of the single or family health insurance premiums for 11 months per year. Under the new contract, the Employer will pay 75% of the premium, but for all 12 months. Employees with 10 or more years of service will now receive a second personal day.
OMRO. . .Secretaries employed by the Omro School District, members of Local 1838, have a new 2-year contract. All wages increased 45¢/hour on 7/1/08 and will increase another 45¢/hour on 7/1/09. In exchange for switching to a less expensive WEA Trust Preferred Plan, the district agreed to continue to pay 100% of single and 95% of family health insurance premiums. Network deductibles are $250/single and $500/family; non-network deductibles are $500/single and $1,000/family with 20% co-insurance maximums of $1,750/single and $3,500/family.
PEPIN COUNTY. . .Highway Department employees, represented by Local 1946, have approved a new contract for the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. The settlement features a 3% wage increase on January 1, 2008 and maintains participation in the State Insurance Plan with the County contributing 105% of the lowest option. Wages and health insurance are subject to contract re-openers in 2009 and 2010.
CITY OF MANITOWOC. . .Local 731, who represents public library employees, have concluded negotiations on back-to-back contracts for the periods 2006-2008 and 2009-2010. The settlement provides for wage increases of 3% effective January 1, 2006 and 2007. For 2008 through 2010 annual wage increases are to be based on a cost of living formula that will provide a minimum of 3% and a maximum increase of 6%. In addition to across the board increases, certain positions received pay adjustments. Other contractual changes included improvements in vacation selection and sick leave payout upon retirement. The Employer contribution toward health insurance will now be 90%, rather than 95%.
MANITOWOC. . .Local 731's School District clerical employee bargaining unit has a new 2-year contract that runs from 7/1/07 through 6/30/09. Wages increased 2.75% on 7/1/07 and increased an additional 3% on 7/1/08. The settlement enhanced the salary grid by eliminating “dead steps” in the middle of the grid and adding new steps at the top. The School District continues to offer a self-funded health insurance plan with incentives to use in-network providers. The drug benefit changed from 10% generic, 20% brand name to $5/generic, $20/name brand, $30/non-formulary. Substantive language changes include expanded layoff language that allows bumping of lower classifications.
MANITOWOC. . .Manitowoc School District’s maintenance and custodial employees, also members of Local 731, have a new 2-year agreement as well. However, this agreement runs 1/1/08 through 12/31/09. Wages increased 3% on 1/1/08 and a 2.75% increase is scheduled for 1/1/09. These workers received the same insurance and drug card changes as the clerical employees above. In addition, maintenance and custodial employees who have accumulated 960 hours of sick leave and use less than 16 hours per year receive a $200 bonus; less than 8 hours receive $350; less than 4 hours receive $500.
DOUGLAS COUNTY. . .Douglas County’s nurses, social workers, and child support workers all have new 3-year agreements. Wages increased 2.5% on 1/1/08, 1% on 7/1/08, 2.5% on 1/1/09, and 2.25% on 1/1/10. Child care workers received a new wage scale and employees at the new top step had an additional 50¢/hour applied to their wages on 1/1/08. Social workers also received a new salary grid condensing 4 classifications to 2. In addition, social workers gained improved standby and supervisor fill-in pay. The Employer continues to pay 95% of the premium for single health insurance and 90% for single +1 and family health insurance. All three units received the following language changes: clarification on use of WERC arbitrators; “me-too” clauses for any enhancements to the Retirement Health Savings plan; $4,000 Accidental Death or Dismemberment insurance for all full time employees.
November 2008
APPLETON. . .Custodial and maintenance employees here, members of Local 1412, have a new 3-year contract. Wages increased 3% on 7/1/07 and another 3% on 7/1/08. A 2% increase is scheduled for 7/1/09 with an additional 1% added 1/1/10. As part of the settlement, the Union agreed to the WEA Trust Preferred Plan. The District agreed to continue paying 95% of the cost for single and family health insurance. Benefit improvements include a $1,500/person dental benefit; improved shift differentials; fewer years of service to get to 3, 4 and 5 weeks of vacation; and a revised longevity pay policy.
NEW LONDON. . .School district support staff here, members of Local 198, have a new 2-year agreement. Wages increased 3.5% effective 7/1/08 and will increase another 3.5% effective 7/1/09 if 2009 health insurance rates increase less than 10%. If rates increase over 10% the 7/1/09 wage increase will be 2.75%. As part of the settlement, the local agreed to the WEA Trust Preferred Plan. The District agreed to continue paying 90% of the single and family health insurance premiums. Substantive language changes include clarified policies on the grievance procedure, inclement weather/emergency days, and extracurricular compensation.
December 2008
MERRILL. . .Custodians employed by the Merrill Board of Education, members of Local 332, have a new 3-year agreement. Employees chose 42¢/hour across-the-board increases effective July 1 of 2008, 2009, and 2010. On average, this equates to percentage increases of 2.75% each year of the contract. The Employer continues to pay 90% of the health insurance premium and 75% of the dental insurance premiums. Benefit improvements include an additional holiday (the Wednesday before Christmas), VEBA-type plan for sick leave pay-out, an extended sick leave bank for serious health conditions, and a $4,000 cash option who choose not to take the Employer-provided health insurance.
ASHLAND. . .Food service workers employed by the Ashland School District, members of Local 216-J, recently settled a 2-year agreement. The settlement provides a 3% increase on 7/1/08 and a 3% increase on 7/1/09 if insurance rates go up less than 15%. If rates go up more than 15%, the wage increase will be 2%. The Agreement also provides classification adjustments for Cook II, Server, and Dishwasher positions, who will now make over $9/hour after one year of service. The Employer continues to pay 100% of health and dental insurance premiums. As part of the settlement, the District agreed to 20 minutes for union orientation of new members as well as voluntary PEOPLE check-off.
JACKSON COUNTY. . .Highway department employees here, members of Local 2717-C, have a new 2-year contract. Wages increased 2% retroactive to 1/1/08 and increased an additional 1% on 9/1/08. A 2% increase is scheduled for 1/1/09. The County switched from being self-insured to a Premier Community Plus plan (Mayo Health Systems and Gunderson Lutheran). New hires will pay 10% of single and family health premiums. The County will contribute 92% of premium costs for existing employees in 2008 and 91% in 2009. Deductibles are now $1000/single, $2,000/family with employee contributions remaining at $250/$500. The County will contribute $750/$1,500 to an HRA. Drug co-payments are now $15/generic, $30/name-brand, $50/non-formulary.