Milwaukee County Board approves contract with nurses union

The Milwaukee County Board today approved a labor contract with the Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals for 334 nurses employed by the county.
The agreement for 2012 calls for a wage freeze, reduced pension benefits, higher employee health care premiums and co-pays, and initiation of an employee-paid pension contribution. Similar reforms have been in place for all non-represented employees since 2010.
“I am very enthusiastic about approving this contract. The nurses union has always been proactive in working favorably with Milwaukee County to meet our objectives, and I thank them for that,” said County Board Chairman Lee Holloway. “I wish other unions would have taken a similar approach.”
“Today’s approval of this contract means Milwaukee County will realize true savings and be in a better position as we work on the upcoming 2012 County Budget,” said Supervisor Johnny Thomas. “I thank Chairman Holloway for brokering this agreement. His involvement was key to this resolution. Without his leadership, today’s agreement would not have been possible.”
“This contract will save $1.7 million in 2012,” said  County Supervisor Eyon Biddle Sr. “We did it in a way that saves taxpayer dollars while respecting the collective bargaining process. I applaud Chairman Holloway and my colleagues who fought for this. This is an example of true leadership. This is the type of leadership I hope we can continue as we go into the County Budget season. We can save taxpayer money, preserve services that enhance the quality of life for our residents, and respect workers all at the same time.”
– BizTimes Milwaukee