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12/29/2010
Big police union contract up for first vote tonight
All I know is what I read in the papers – that’s all the taxpayers know – and it’s all most Appleton alderpersons know as we speak. Per the Post Crescent Monday,
According to a tentative agreement included in the committee's agenda, officers will receive a 1 percent raise on Jan. 1, 2012 and a 3 percent increase on Dec. 31. In 2013, they will receive a 1 percent increase on June 1 and a 3 percent increase on Dec. 1. The contract also calls for a 3 percent reduction in wages for certain new hires starting Jan. 1. Officers would begin to see steady hikes in 2012 and 2013 for health plans with a $250 or $500 deductible.
Previous year’s contracts are on the City of Appleton’s web site, but the current negotiated contract is nowhere to be seen – or to be read.
The existing contract is 34 pages long – if the proposed contract is similar, it’s not something Finance and Administration Committee members will speed read tonight in their closed session. Yet they will be asked for a yea or nay vote on the deal.
And it’s a big one. A wage freeze for calendar year 2011 and 4% increases for 2012 and 2013. That’s following two years of 3% increases, not including infamous “step” hikes due to tenure.
Now, that’s only the wages. I’m far from a labor contract expert; there is a ton of other stuff in that contract – benefits and work rules – that will add or mitigate costs to taxpayers.
From my experience on the Council, alderpersons will go into a closed session and be told it was the best deal possible, given the harsh realities of mediation-arbitration and assorted state laws. Funny that’s not what happened at Kohler or Harley-Davidson or Mercury Marine.
I hope our alderpersons will take time to read the contract, digest the information, look for ways to reflect on the taxpayer’s wage situation the past two years – then make the entire contract available for the public to weigh in on. This one’s important – it’s the first of the city’s 16 contracts coming forward for 2011 and beyond.
I hope many of us Appleton taxpayers will demand transparency and insist on fiscal restraint. The City of Appleton’s Finance and Administration Committee meets this evening at 5:00 on the sixth floor of City Hall, 100 N. Appleton Street. Go forward about 6 paces when you get off the elevator, then turn left into Committee Room A/B.
Bring your knitting.
Jo Egelhoff, FoxPolitics.net
COMMENTS
I am not an Appleton resident, and comment only because my city could copy your city. But I would sure tie all wage increases to the cost-of-living index. IF the COL and wages for taxpayers goes down, their taxes nonetheless go up because of a previous union contract. Not real smart.
Jack Lohman (Wed Dec 29 08:18:34 2010)
That adds up to an 8% increase in three years. That is very healthy given the current economic climate and an uncertain future.
I urge that the Council use restraint and not mortgage the city with promises that may be fiscally unsound.
Above all, I urge the Council to be BOLD and protect the city taxpayer.
David (Wed Dec 29 08:32:07 2010)
Amen David...why is everything last minute and "have to do it now". Seems like we have been hearing this same tune in Washington again this year. Hopefully Madison will do better. If my southside Appleton alderman is reading this i will hold you accountable for your vote on this. Take your time!!!
JB (Wed Dec 29 09:51:04 2010)
Jo,
This just shows how little people know about union contracts and bargaining. The committee doesn’t have to read the whole new contract, 95% of it will be same as old contract. The sections that charge are highlighted. So if you want to what the new contract will be read one. The old only changes will be what were mentioned in pc article.
Jack
I wish the city tied wage increases to cost of living index those would have been some nice raises back in the late 90’s, but see everybody forgets about those days.
joe (Wed Dec 29 10:04:28 2010)
Look at those darn pesky public union employees in Chicago that got killed in a fire. The tax payers will be happy that’s 2 less employees that need to be paid.
joe (Wed Dec 29 10:09:25 2010)
Thanks Joe. So why not release the highlighted copy to the public and give anyone interested plenty of time to review it? Hopefully too, taxpayers can be presented with the projected fiscal impact - as accurate as possible.
Jo (Wed Dec 29 10:23:54 2010)
Joe, your comment inferring that taxpayers would be thrilled on the death of workers, whomever they be, is out of line. The issue is fiscal discipline, monitoring and working to control costs and increase output wherever possible.
Jo (Wed Dec 29 10:25:54 2010)
Jo
Is it out of line, everyone on this sight believes union public employees are over paid with plush benefits. Does anyone ever think there is a reason for the pay and benefits, how many of us can say when we go to work we may not come home due to are job.
joe (Wed Dec 29 13:37:41 2010)
Joe, I doubt that their are any on this blog that condone any city employee being killed, and I'd agree with Jo's lashing.
Indeed they should be paid fairly and even with added hazard pay where appropriate, but to distort ALL city worker's pay for this is absolute foolishness.
Jack Lohman (Wed Dec 29 16:43:02 2010)
But Jack, nobody every separates public employees, we are always labeled as greedy union employees. Just wondering what do you consider a fair wage.
joe (Wed Dec 29 17:00:20 2010)
Joe, I support a fair wage and benefits for all public employees; no more than and no less than they'd make in the private sector. And of course hazard pay for police and fire and extra life insurance benefits for those who put their life on the line.
But I think unions in general go for whatever then can get, and to hell with the consequences. I would encourage them to be careful of what they ask for. Especially now the tendency is going to be for cities to privatize, but if the pay packages have been fair that is less likely to happen.
Jack Lohman (Wed Dec 29 17:26:11 2010)
Thank you Jack, for the way you expressed that. thank you Glenn, for your added expertise!
Jo (Wed Dec 29 19:35:54 2010)
Hi Folks:
Well I am a, "Labor Relations Expert" having negotiated major Labor Agreements with over 12 different International Unions in the Private sector over a 32 year period. Emphatically- trading a one year wage freeze for two, 4% increase in subsequesnt years is not only STUPID, but totally fails to recognize the REALITITY of the economic reality of our times. We are in deep trouble! The "Med/Arb" law in Wisconsin MUST be changed. When the "Folks" who pay the bill are either laid off, experiencing wage and benefit reductions, salary freezes, or job eliminations, it is arrogant of ALL public sector unions to expect ANY increases in total compensation till our Nation is back on track and growing again. WHEN will we ever learn?? GLS
GL Schilling (Wed Dec 29 18:16:45 2010)
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