A Milwaukee judge has issued a temporary restraining order that put on hold a plan that would make 73 county workers state employees.
The controversy dates back to 2009, when the state announced it would take over programs that help people seeking public assistance in Milwaukee County. The takeover was to be completed by Dec. 31. Seventy-three of the 300 county employees who work in those programs were scheduled to become state employees on Oct. 1, with the remainder at the end of the year.
Mark Sweet, a lawyer representing the employees, said the 73 should have the option to decide if they want to become state employees or exercise the option to bump senior employees who would be laid off. He said the workers could also exercise their right under the "Rule of 75" — a county rule that allows employees to retire with full pension benefits if their age and years of employment add up to 75.
The restraining order was issued by Milwaukee County Circuit Judge John Siefert. Another Milwaukee judge, William Pocan, will hear arguments for a full restraining order at a later date.
– WisPolitics.com
