Senate Labor Committee Moving Forward With Bills Undermining MERA
On Wednesday, March 1 the Senate Committee on Labor and Election Process Reform will take public testimony on two bills that threaten to undermine Wisconsin’s Municipal Employment Relations Act (MERA), which has maintained labor peace for decades. The two pieces of legislation, Assembly Bill 268 and Assembly Bill 857, were authored by Representative Mark Gottlieb (R-Port Washington) and gut collective bargaining rights for public employees.
What Do These Bills Do?
AB 268 – Allows employers to privatize public services without bargaining the effects of privatization with public employees.
AB 857 – Caps final offers to arbitrators in the collective bargaining process at a level equal to or less than revenue limits placed on local governments. Essentially, if this bill became law, when combined with a property tax freeze and/or TABOR, it would create a Qualified Economic Offer (QEO) on all public employees.
What Can You Do?
Contact your State Senator and tell them to…, oppose AB 268 and AB 857 and any and all proposed changes to Wisconsin’s Municipal Employment Relations Act.
or
If you are available come to the hearing Wednesday, March 1 at 1:00 pm in room 400 Southeast of the State Capitol, and testify or register against AB 268 and AB 857.
How Do I Contact My Legislators?
Call the legislative hotline at 1-800-362-9472 and leave a message for your State Senator.
or
go to http://www.legis.state.wi.us and click on ‘Who Represents Me’ to get their email address or direct Capitol office phone line
