September 7, 2007                                                       Volume #28, Issue #26

IN MEMORIAM. . .John Zimmerman, who worked for Columbia County, was killed on the job last Friday.
A member of Columbia County Courthouse and Human Services, Local 2698-B, he was operating a
recycling truck when the transmission apparently malfunctioned. He was underneath the truck working in
the transmission linkage when it shifted into drive. Brother Zimmerman, 55, was killed by the trauma
suffered when the truck ran over him. He leaves behind his wife, Debbie, of Portage, several step-children
and step-grandchildren, and many friends. A memorial fund is being established by the family. We will
provide details when available.

This is the second Council 40 member working for Columbia County to be killed on the job in recent
history. Last December, Nathan Price, a member of Local 995, who worked for the Highway Department,
died from a head injury when he was struck by a cable as workers were moving a stuck mower with a
grader.

HEALTH CARE WORKERS CONFERENCE. . .All locals and chapters representing health care workers
should plan to send delegates to the 2007 Council 40 Health Care Workers Conference set for
November 12-13, 2007 at the AFSCME Headquarters building in Madison. Along with an informative
agenda, this year’s Conference will include a trip to the Capitol to lobby legislators on issues important to
health care workers. Details about conference and hotel reservations have been sent to all health care
locals and chapters. The deadline for registration is October 22, 2007.

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.