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Mercury union researches second vote

August 27, 2009 By

The question on a lot of minds seems to be if Mercury Marine’s employees union will take a second vote on proposed contract changes. Machinist’s Local 1947 chief negotiator Dan Longsine says he’s researching whether the union can do that. A meeting with company president Mark Schwabero Tuesday failed to produce any changes in the proposal, which was voted down by union members last Sunday.

Usually the union needs changes to a contract if membership already voted on it before a second vote can be cast. Longsine says more than 70 percent of those voting Sunday turned down proposed concessions. However he says some members are having second thoughts and many are expecting a second vote. Schwabero says the company is forging ahead with plans to move manufacturing jobs to Stillwater, Oklahoma, but if union members approve the contract changes they would keep operations in Fond du Lac. The contract offer is good through midnight Saturday.

City officials forged an incentive package Wednesday night designed to keep Mercury Marine’s corporate headquarters in Fond du Lac, but still harbor hopes that manufacturing jobs will stay as well. City Council President Tim Lakin says residents he’s spoken with are disappointed that the union voted down the company’s proposed contract changes Sunday.

AUDIO: Tim Lakin (MP3 :15)

Veteran City Councilman Jim Nintzel says if Mercury leaves Fond du Lac it will have devastating financial impacts on taxes, water bills and more. The County Board will work on an incentive package tonight.

Contributed by Bob Nelson-KFIZ

Filed Under: Business, Economy

Kagen speaks to health reform backers

August 27, 2009 By

More than 400 people turned out for a rally in Northeast Wisconsin supporting health care reform. Congressman Steve Kagen compared the “public option” to having public and private schools, which he says works pretty well for the education system.

“I think Steve’s done a very good job in handling all the pressure and the controversies surrounding this matter,” said Jay Kopplin. Another person in attendance, Judy Vogel, said health care reform is “very important.”

The Appleton Democrat said supporters can’t miss this opportunity to create a competitive and transparent system. He said federal lawmakers are still doing some fine tuning to the proposal as the bill is written in “invisible ink right now.”

AUDIO: Steve Kagen (MP3 :15)

The AFL-CIO hosted the Thursday event on the UW-Green Bay campus.

Contributed by Mike Kemmeter-WHBY

Filed Under: Health & Medicine, Politics & Government

Health care event, grassroots or manufactured?

August 27, 2009 By

Residents from all around south central and south eastern Wisconsin turned out Wednesday night for a gathering on health care. More than 1600 people packed the meeting room at the Madison Marriott West to have their voices heard. The citizens were saying they’re looking for answers that some say they aren’t getting from their elected officials.

AUDIO: Citizens speaking their minds (MP3 :21)

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison) was invited to the event but did not attend, which angered some.One man was concerned that illegal aliens are being included in the health care reform proposal, where as a panelist was worried the government will tell doctors what to do.

“It’s not up to the government to set standards for doctors to follow, what doctors should do is what’s in the best interest of their patients and families,” said Dr. Pam Galloway.

The event was put on by the group “Americans for Prosperity” the same group that organized the Tax Day Tea Party at the Capitol. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin called the event, in a statement,  “Nothing more than a manufactured event put on by a corporate-sponsored special interest group.”  AFP says the purpose of these meetings is to hear both sides of the debate.

Contributed by Dave McCann-WIBA

AUDIO: Dave McCann reports (MP3 :51)

Filed Under: Health & Medicine, Politics & Government

Survey of manufacturers shows hopeful signs

August 27, 2009 By

A survey shows some bright spots in the state’s manufacturing sector. While there’s lots of discouraging news, Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership does an annual report with companies they assist. “Most of the time or attention has been spent in survival, but most of the progressive companies are also investing in ways to to expand market share and become better, even while they’re looking to keep the company afloat,” says WMEP president Mike Klonsinski.

“All of our customers are surveyed at the end of each year, for the impact in terms of sales and jobs,” says Klonsinski. “We had 176 companies that were surveyed and reported about $118 million in increased or retained sales, and almost 800 jobs created and retained as a result of their investments and work with WMEP.”

There’s no denying the impact that job losses at GM, Chrysler, Harley-Davidson and perhaps Mercury Marine are having on the state’s manufacturing sector, but Klonsinski also sees some reason for optimism. “We’re already seeing some manufacturers that are bringing back people that had been laid off, or even looking to add jobs, because they’re both anticipating and seeing some new orders.”

Klonsinski says companies that focus on tapping new markets and improving productivity will realize the biggest benefits as the economy recovers. “Companies that are looking forward today, both in terms of tapping new markets and improving productivity, are the ones that are going to realize the biggest benefits.”

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:60 MP3)

Filed Under: Business

Mixed reactions at Ryan health gathering

August 27, 2009 By

Congressman Paul Ryan had a chance to play peacemaker during Wednesday’s health care listening session in Janesville. A heckler took offense to Ryan’s comments about England’s health care system and the man’s daughter defended his words. She says having lived in the UK’s the European nation has better health care than the U.S.

AUDIO: Woman defends UK health (MP3 :29)

The House Republican on more than one occasion discouraged heckling to crowd of 550 including one instance where a woman claimed to be worried about violence from such heated discussion.

AUDIO: Woman concerned of violence (MP3 :22)

The Janesville native received a standing ovation when he entered the auditorium at his alma mater and the most applause for saying he doesn’t want socialized health care.

Ryan has several sessions scheduled in Racine County Thursday and suburban Milwaukee  Monday. His office has booked different venues to accommodate larger crowds than originally anticipated.

Contributed by Beth Wheelock-WCLO

Filed Under: Health & Medicine, Politics & Government
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