SB 854

Under current law, the only subject that most state and municipal employees

may collectively bargain is a percentage increase in base wages that does not exceed

the percentage increase in the consumer price index. This bill removes that

limitation so that state and municipal employees may bargain over any increase in

wages.

Also, under current law, certain protective occupation participants under the

Wisconsin Retirement System, known as public safety employees, and certain

municipal transit employees may collectively bargain wages, hours, and conditions

of employment. Under the bill, most state and general municipal employees may

collectively bargain hours and conditions of employment.

The bill also allows all municipal employers and labor organizations to agree

to a dispute settlement procedure, including binding interest arbitration, to resolve

an impasse over the terms of a collective bargaining agreement under the Municipal

Employment Relations Act.

Under current law, representatives for most municipal and state employee

bargaining units must be selected by at least 51 percent of the employees in the

bargaining unit. The bill changes that requirement to a simple majority of the

employees voting in the collective bargaining unit.

Finally, under current law, representatives for most municipal and state

employee bargaining units must be certified annually by receiving at least 51 percent

of the vote of the employees in the bargaining unit. The bill repeals this certification

requirement.