Wisconsin police, firefighter unions allege blackmail over benefits
Wisconsin police and firefighters were supposed to escape higher pension and health care costs imposed on other public workers through Gov. Scott Walker's contentious collective bargaining law. But the state's largest police union says local governments statewide have found another way to make them pay up: threaten huge health insurance cost increases if they don't start contributing to their retirement funds.
The Wisconsin Professional Police Association contends local governments are taking advantage of a state budget clause that allows municipalities to dictate the form of public safety workers' health insurance plans. The WPPA told the Associated Press that local leaders are using their new power to set up exorbitant deductibles for police and firefighters if they don't agree to contribute to pensions.
Municipal leaders counter that they're simply using a tool the Legislature provided them to manage deep cuts in state aid and defuse tensions over Walker's law between police and firefighters and other public employees. The measure forced most public-sector employees to pay more into their pensions and insurance but exempted public safety workers from the requirements.
WPPA executive director Jim Palmer likened the municipalities' tactics to blackmail.
"These employers tell their officers that unless you agree to pay this, we will make health insurance nearly unaffordable for you and your families," Palmer said.
http://www.twincities.com/ci_19692225
....doing the Scott Walker Shtupp!
= new reply since forum marked as read
.... tonight. All supporters are welcome.
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Youtube. Lots of Video.
