Wisconsin Senate Bill SB847

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/26/23
• Refer: 12/26/23
• Engrossed: 1/16/24
• Enrolled: 1/19/24
• Chaptered: 2/2/24
• Passed: 2/2/24

Caption

Ratification of the agreement negotiated between the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee, for the 2023-24 fiscal year, covering employees in the building trades crafts collective bargaining unit, and authorizing an expenditure of funds. (FE)

Impact

The enactment of SB847 will facilitate the expenditure of state funds authorized for the implementation of this collective bargaining agreement. By ratifying the contract, the bill provides a legal basis for these expenditures and confirms the arrangements made regarding employee compensation and work conditions. As the bill is aligned with the State Employment Labor Relations Act, it underscores the commitment of the Wisconsin legislature to uphold the agreements formed within the collective bargaining framework, impacting the financial management of state programs and employee relations.

Summary

Senate Bill 847 is an act aimed at ratifying the collective bargaining agreement negotiated between the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee for the 2023-24 fiscal year. This legislation specifically addresses employees within the building trades crafts collective bargaining unit, thereby establishing terms for their employment conditions and compensation. The bill plays a critical role in formalizing agreements already reached between these parties, ensuring that both employees and the state abide by the negotiated terms.

Conclusion

Overall, SB847 represents an essential step in the ongoing relationship between state governance and labor organizations, aiming to protect the rights and interests of workers within the building trades sector. The bill not only ratifies prior agreements but also sets a precedent for future negotiations and collaborative efforts in managing state employment relations.

Contention

While the bill has received widespread support evidenced by the voting record in the Assembly, with 96 yeas to just 1 nay, it is not without its points of contention. Opponents may argue that such collective bargaining agreements could lead to increased state spending or that they do not adequately address issues faced by non-union employees. However, the prevailing view emphasizes the importance of such agreements in safeguarding employee rights and ensuring stable labor relations in the state.