Dane County, AFSCME Reach Tentative Agreement on 2010 Contract
October 23, 2009
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
Unions Representing More Than 1500 County Employees to Consider Ratification in Early November
Dane County and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local, representing more than 1500 county employees, have reached a tentative agreement on a contract for 2010. The tentative agreement covers five of the county’s nine bargaining units and over 60% of the represented workforce.
That contract includes 3% in salary cuts, a no lay-off pledge and eight days off. Four of those days - February 26th, April 2nd, September 17th, and October 22nd - most county services will be shut down except certain 24/7 services will continue.
“I am most grateful and appreciative for the top-notch service our dedicated team of county workers provide every day for our half-million citizens and their once again answering the difficult call to share the sacrifice forced upon all of us by this recession,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. “Whether it’s keeping our highways clear during white-out snowstorms, getting kids out of dangerous living environments, or helping someone save the life of a loved one, our county employees roll-up their sleeves and selflessly serve citizens every day.”
Falk noted the current recession has resulted in a loss of millions of dollars in economic related revenues, like sales tax, the county depends upon to fund vital public safety and human services.
The unions will hold ratification votes on the tentative contract agreement starting November 4th. The tentative agreement represents more than half (54%) of the $4.7-million in personnel savings proposed in the County Executive’s budget. The County Board must also approve the agreements.
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