AFSCME Local 952

Local 952’s last meeting before our summer recess is June 10th, 2010 at 7:00pm, at D.C. 48.  There will be an Executive Board meeting before hand.  Our next meeting after the summer will be September 9th, 2010 at 7:00pm.

Milwaukee Water Works

City Makes Modest Trims to Water Rate Increase 6-3-2010

MillerCoors says water rates won’t drive it out of Milwaukee 5-21-2010

A hike too high 5-14-2010

Users spout over proposed water rate hike 5-13-2010

Hearing Set on Milwaukee Water Works Request to Raise Rates 4-27-2010

Waukesha

Does Waukesha Really Need Lake Michigan Water? 6-2-2010

Waukesha mayor demands information on changes to lake water application 6-1-2010

Waukesha delivers lake water request to DNR 5-20-2010

Rift emerges between new Waukesha mayor, aldermen in water talks 5-14-2010

This year’s International Convention is being held in Boston June 28th to July 2nd.  Local 952 Secretary Jas0n Otto will be among 5000 AFSCME members in attendance.

This Convention is unique, after 38 years of service to AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy will be resigning.  His resignation is timed with the Convention to allow the members to elect his successor in a fair and democratic process.

To learn more about the International Convention click here.

The upgrade to Wordpress is complete.  The new AFSCMELocal952.org is a completely modern Web 2.0 site.  The first big change is that the site is no longer managed solely by one person.  Wordpress allows the members of our Local to post content.  You may reply to posts on the board, share them on social networking sites, and even be able to author your own posts.

The new site also automates many of the tasks that were manual on the old site, meeting calendars and RSS feed being the first two.  The addition of categories and tags allows content to be accessed in a variety of ways, and searching for content is now possible as well.

The other big upgrade is a bulletin board/forum.  Following the menu link to “Forum” you’ll be redirected to the bulletin board site.  After registration you’ll be confirmed as a member, and able to post discussion topics and interact with other Local members, discuss issues and read important Union business.

Please enjoy the new AFSCMELocal952.org

Jason Otto, Secretary

Testing and set up is underway for a new bulletin board feature. The ability to post online messages and hold discussions here on our website could be very useful. Hopefully in the future this will become an important tool for running our Local. Visit our new discussion board and register. Only members will be allowed to post messages in the boards while the software is being set up and the site design updated to include a permanent link.

The new 2010-2011 contract books are available.  If you haven’t received one yet please see a Steward or Union Officer.  2010-2011 Contract (PDF File) .

AFSCME District Council 48 recently went to Madison to participate in Lobby Day. The event happened to be the same day as an important hearing in the Committee on Energy and Utilities on AB 475. This important legislation from Representative Kessler would prevent Milwaukee from privatizing its water works. Copies of the Food and Water Watch Report (PDF File) were delivered to the members of the Committee and Representative Kessler. At the hearing Representative Kessler spoke about his duty to the people of Milwaukee to protect them from the economic disaster we could face if the City’s water quality suffered under private operation. District Council 48 Executive Director Rich Abelson spoke about the dedicated employees of the water works who take pride in working for the public. KPOW representative Terri Kinis spoke about the broad community opposition to private operation of the Milwaukee Water Works. Local 952 member Dave Guran also spoke on the pride he feels working for the City and the Milwaukee Water Works. The only voice against the bill was Milwaukee Alderman Terry Witkowski. Alderman Witkowski spoke against privatization, but opposed Madison’s interference in what he felt was the City’s right to govern. AB 475 is currently awaiting a vote by the Committee.

AFSCME Local 952 officer elections are coming up. Nominations are at our regularly scheduled April meeting, with elections in May. If you know someone who is interested in running for an office, or are interested yourself please attend our next meeting.

We would like to offers our condolences to James Ndon and Cort Bashaw on the lose of their loved ones.

Dominic’s long service to the Milwaukee Water Works comes to an end. He’ll be retiring after nearly 35 years of service this Sunday. Congratulations to Dominic and best wishes for his future.