Gov. Doyle: Signs Four State Employee Labor Contracts

Governor Jim Doyle today signed legislation ratifying four state employee labor contracts for three different state bargaining units this morning in a ceremony at the Department of Corrections, successfully completing the Administration’s work to come to agreement with all represented state employees.


Three of the contracts signed by the Governor were for the current 2005-2007 contract period.  For one bargaining unit, the Governor also signed a contract covering the prior 2003-2005 contract period. 


The contracts cover more than 8,100 state employees, represented by the three bargaining units.  Now all 38,100 represented state employees are covered by contracts for the current contract period which runs until June 30, 2007.


“I am really proud of all we have achieved in state government over the past three years, and none of it would have been possible without the hard work, dedication, and expertise of state employees,” Governor Doyle said.  “I appreciate the sacrifices they made to help get our fiscal house back in order, and now that the state’s financial situation has improved, we are in a much better position to give our employees the raises they have more than earned.”


The Governor added, “These are fair contracts that were settled within the limits of the budget, without any artificially imposed limits like the so-called TABOR proposal.  Proposals like TABOR would be a disaster not just for public employees, but anyone who cares about efficient government service – from trash collection to the University of Wisconsin.  These contracts demonstrate that we can invest in our workers while living within our means.” 


The contracts signed into law by Governor Doyle today are listed below.


Bill Number     Bargaining Unit and Contract Period    
AB 1227,

AB 1228 Wis. State Attorneys Association, 2003-05 and 2005-2007
AB 1229 WSEU
– Professional Social Services, 2005-2007 
AB 1230