County Executive Parisi, Dane County Workers Announce Agreement Saving Taxpayers $2-Million

January 26, 2012
Casey Slaughter Becker, Office of the County Executive 608.267.8823 or cell, 608.843.8858
County Executive

Closure Days, Wage Reduction, Phased-in Retirement Contributions Features of Tentative Agreement with County’s Largest Employees Union

 

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today he has successfully negotiated a tentative agreement between the county and its largest employees union that would save taxpayers about $2-million.  The tentative agreement is subject to ratification and county board approval in the weeks ahead.

 

As part of the agreement, Dane County employees would begin to contribute toward their retirement in 2013, have a temporary across the board reduction in wages, and county government would shut down for three days next year.  Those measures would result in over $1.9 million in savings.

 

“We continue to live in uncertain and challenging times, but yet again we’re showing in Dane County that working with our workers, not against them, works,” Parisi said.  By sitting down and problem-solving together we’ve reached a tentative agreement that protects taxpayers and vital public services while helping our workers and their families adjust to the ill-advised actions of our state leaders.” 

 

“Dane County workers have been contributing to our pensions for decades by giving up wage increases in exchange for retirement security.  Now, we are simply continuing to do our part by helping the county save money while adjusting to changing times,” said Shannon Maier, President of AFSCME Local 720.

 

“This agreement shows what can be accomplished when management is willing to sit down with workers to find solutions that work for everyone, especially the taxpayers.  Once again, Dane County leaders and workers are showing that it’s possible to respond to tough times without sacrificing our values or our shared commitment to quality public services,” Maier added.

 

A state law approved in November allowed public entities like Dane County that had existing labor contracts a limited window to enter into memorandums of understanding with collective bargaining units to reduce the cost of compensation or fringe benefits. 

 

Ratification votes on the tentative agreement will be scheduled in the weeks ahead and the County Board will consider a resolution authorizing the County Executive to enter into these agreements. 

 

To comply with the state law the agreements need to be authorized by February 24, 2012.

 

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