Classifying county jailers as protective occupation participants under the Wisconsin Retirement System and the treatment of county jailers under the Municipal Employment Relations Act. (FE)
One key aspect of SB28 is its financial implications. County jailers employed in counties that did not classify them as protective occupation participants prior to July 1, 2022, who opt to be classified as such after the bill's effective date will be responsible for the additional employer costs associated with their new classification. This includes contributions to a duty disability program, which could create financial burdens for some counties. Conversely, jailers already classified as protective occupation participants will not face these extra costs, potentially creating disparities in retirement benefits and costs among different counties.
Senate Bill 28 aims to classify county jailers as protective occupation participants under the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), granting them retirement benefits similar to those of active law enforcement and firefighting professionals. The bill modifies existing laws that currently require participants to have principal duties involving active law enforcement or fire suppression to qualify. Under this new classification, county jailers, regardless of sworn status or full-time employment, will gain benefits such as a lowered retirement age and a higher pension multiplier, enhancing their retirement security.
The introduction of SB28 has sparked debates regarding the equity and practicality of benefits distribution among public safety employees. Proponents argue that county jailers encounter dangers similar to other protective occupation participants and deserve commensurate benefits. However, opponents raise concerns over the financial implications for counties and the potential for increased costs in public safety budgets. Furthermore, the amendment to the Municipal Employment Relations Act raises questions about the classification and treatment of county jailers in collective bargaining units, with implications for their rights to negotiate wages and working conditions.