The most pressing concern most of us have is, now what? What does this law mean for OPIEU Local 39?

In the long run, we are all going to have to do what we can to make sure our Union survives. It's going to be hard -- that's the point of the legislation, to make being in a Union difficult, to increase the expenses of all Unions, and to keep Unions focused on survival instead of working to improve the lot of all workers.

The legislation became effective immediately, but it does nothing to contracts already in force. The trouble was, we had two Bargaining Units that were nearly at the end of their contracts. While the State government ignored the protesters outside the capitol and the lines of people speaking against the law inside, our Local worked to get contracts in place for all of our Bargaining Units.

Debi, our Business Agent, reached out to MG&E and the Company agreed to negotiate a new contract. In a marathon session, our Bargaining Team got 3% raises for every year of the contract, severance increased to a maximum of 37.5 weeks (based on years of service), and increased shift differential from .60 to .95. For their part, the Company did get the opportunity to make changes to health care plan designs and contributions to premium will now be the same as non-represented. 

We would like to commend the Membership at MG&E. They recognized the threat that this so-called "right to work" law meant to the them and the Union. It could have radically reduced our ability to bargain, especially under such time pressure. But they stuck together and showed the Company that they have strength as a unit. They got a good contract and voted unanimously in favor of ratification. 

In addition to MG&E, Debi also opened and concluded bargaining with North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, mostly done by email and phone! By Sunday, March 8th there was an agreement with NCSRCC and Members voted and ratified by email that night. Gov Walker signed the "Freedom to Work" bill Monday.

This means that our Local has something of a breather, with all Units under contract. Before the next Bargaining Unit has to negotiate a contract, there will have to be a mechanism in place to collect dues directly from members. The legislation makes it illegal for any company to collect dues. Every other method we have -- from PayPal to credit card, to ACH withdrawal -- will cost the Union money, increasing the expense of running the Union, protecting our Members, and negotiating contracts.

In the years to come, supporting our Union will be even more important than it has ever been.

That doesn't mean the fight is over. The Wisconsin AFL-CIO and other unions have filed suit. Stay tuned -- there's more to come.

The good thing is that, unlike Act 10, a "right to work" law does not interfere with what Unions can do for their Membership. Our Union will continue to negotiate favorable contracts, hold Companies accountable to the terms of the contract, and ensure that workers both have safe working conditions and are treated fairly.

Our major bargaining units are seeing some support from the Companies. As stated above, MG&E worked with our Union to make sure a new contract was in place before the bill could be passed. CUNA Mutual group has issued a statement of support for the Union, saying: "It is our desire to continue our relationship with OPEIU, Local 39 and the represented employees, regardless of any legislation passed." Most companies in the state weren't pushing for this bill to become law.

There is no evidence that so-called "right to work" laws bring in businesses or that they help the economy, and one company has already stated that its expansion will be in Union-friendly Minnesota. The impact on our state will be felt mostly in slower growth and lower wages over the years. But with our Companies expressing their commitment to their Represented employees and our Union, we have a good chance of weathering this change.

Membership meetings are held the third Wednesday of the second month of the quarter, at 5:30 PM.

This is your Union. Your participation gives us the tools we need to face the continued opposition of both companies and politicians. We strive to make the meetings relevant and to the point. Please  stop by and participate in the democracy that is your Union.