Really? What a deal! Not.
Here’s the resolution for the non-represented employees:
Whereas, the City and a number of City unions have agreed on new contracts that provide for a 3% wage increase in the last pay period of 2013 and language on working cooperatively to avoid layoffs; and
Whereas, the City wishes to extend these same provisions to non-represented employees.
Now, therefore, be it hereby resolved that:
1. Non-represented employees will be granted a three percent (3%) wage increase effective the last pay period of 2013.
2. The City agrees to work cooperatively with non-represented employees to avoid layoffs through March 2014. The ability to avoid layoffs will be strengthened if the City implements furlough days and/or if the City pursues and the electorate adopts a referendum allowing the City to exceed the stateimposed levy limits. The goal of avoiding layoffs is not meant to include the elimination of any vacant positions, elimination of positions due to restructuring or creation of operational efficiencies, termination of employees for just cause or elimination of positions due to restructuring of the Overture Center for the Arts.
3. To the extent any portion of this resolution requires changes to the Madison General Ordinances, the City Attorney shall draft and present those changes to the Common Council.
Fiscal Note
This resolution provides for a 3% wage increase in December 2013, which will cost about $69,000 in 2013 and result in additional annual costs of approximately $1,150,000 beginning in 2014.
There are 6 other contracts on the agenda, with similar language about furloughs and elimination of jobs and terminations. Will there be cheering and back slapping tonight at their second attempt to pass these contracts, or will the mood be more somber. Is this really a good deal? Maybe, I’m sure non-profits would like the promise of 2 or 3% increases for the next few years.
