Negotiations Update: Join us on December 16th!
This serves as a critical update regarding the status of your contract negotiations with the County.
Your Bargaining Team has formally filed for mediation following the County’s refusal to present an equitable financial proposal. They are trying to divide us and weaken our protections—it's time to show them the entire workforce is UNITED.
We are calling on every AFSCME member and colleague to join us for a crucial RALLY FOR RESPECT on December 16th, immediately preceding the County Board Meeting.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?
We are fighting against three massive attacks that affect every single employee in some way or another.
1. Economic Disrespect: Stop the Poverty Wages!
The County’s current offer falls short of increases provided to other bargaining units, demonstrating a clear lack of respect for the vital contributions of AFSCME Local 517 members.
- The Union’s Demand:Fair Pay and Respectful Wages that allow us to afford to live in the communities we serve.
- Your Action: Show up to fight for the raise you earned.
2. Erosion of Core Protections: No Rollbacks!
Management is actively refusing to guarantee our right to representation.
- The Union’s Demand:Codify Weingarten Rights. We will not allow the County to weaken your job security! For more info on your rights, read all about it here.
- Your Action: Show up to defend your due process and working conditions.
3. Dividing the Workforce: Paid family leave for ALL EMPLOYEES
The County is attempting to exploit a loophole to create two classes of workers.
- The Union’s Demand:NO WORKER LEFT BEHIND! We demand the contract be used to extend equal Paid Family Leave protections to all 171 of our Wisconsin-based co-workers. This is a fight for equity across the board.
- Your Action: Show up to ensure fairness and solidarity for every colleague.
Wait, what exactly is Mediation?
Mediation is a process used to assist parties to resolve a dispute through informal and confidential discourse in which a neutral third party, a mediator, assists the parties to reach a negotiated and mutually acceptable resolution/agreement.
Our Commitment to the Table
While we have filed for mediation, we want to be unequivocally clear: Your Bargaining Team remains ready to return to direct negotiation the moment the County commits to a proposal that includes a fair Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). We are ready to work, but we will not settle for an unfair contract.
Join the Fight! EMERGENCY RALLY DETAILS
Your presence is our leverage. We need you there!
| WHAT: | RALLY FOR RESPECT: UNITED FOR A FAIR CONTRACT |
| WHEN: | Tuesday, December 16th |
| TIME: | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM (Immediately before and during the County Board Meeting) |
| WHERE: | Stillwater Government Center 5th Floor, outside the County Boardroom |
| ACTION: | Wear AFSCME Green and bring a coworker! |
CLICK HERE TO RSVP NOW!
Please confirm your attendance via the link above and encourage five co-workers to stand with us.
See you on the 16th—our unity will win this contract!
In Solidarity,
Your AFSCME Local 517 Negotiations Team
