AFSCME Local 952

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.

Lobby Day is March 3rd, this is our chance to speak to our representatives in Madison about issues that impact us. Its a great opportunity for our Local to discuss our concerns about privatization with people who can do something to stop it from ever happening.

Ms. Bergner is an Assistant City Attorney working in the office’s real estate team. She has a great deal of experience with real estate, employment law, civil litigation and condominium law. Previous to her work as an attorney Ms. Bergner earned her Bachelor’s Degree in economics from UW-Milwaukee in December 2001, magna cum laude. She earned her Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in May 2005. Resume (PDF File)

There has been talk recently of water privatization in Chicago. The City faced with budget problems was approach by private water operators about lease possibilities. Links to Chicago Tribune articles on this privatization effort. The first one is about water contaminates and mentions the high quality of Milwaukee’s water testing program.

What’s in your water 4/17/2008 (Link)
City’s budget hole taxing on Mayer Daley’s big ideas 10/23/2009 (Link)
Why privatize? 11/23/2009 (Link)
A hypothetical disaster 11/28/2009 (Link)

Tonight’s meeting has been cancelled due to the cold weather.  Stay home and stay warm.