Westside Association Meeting Minutes August 6-09

Meeting called to order by President Connie Drexler @12:00

Approval of June minutes- moved and 2^nd/passed

Treasurer’s Report

• Balance of $6483.39
• 48 members
• Target interceded in possibly joining- have Robin follow up

Chamber Report:

• Best Buy to open Oct. 2
• Parking lot on east side of Main Street passed the at the council meeting
• Bids for the Grand Opera House have come in- goes to council for vote

Director’s Meeting:

• Survey project
  • Back to working with the CCP
  • Still moving forward- slowly to make sure it is done correctly

Guest Speaker:  Tony Renning- The Employee Free choice Act

• New legislation first proposed by the unions in 2003
• Makes it easier to form unions with in a business
• Three parts:
  • Card check-
    • 51% of employees sign card-
    • no secret vote
    • no input from management-employer may only hear at the end after the deal is done
  • Interest Arbitration
    • Would require companies to enter into mediation at the union’s request if the parties can not reach an agreement on an initial contract in 90 days.  After 30 days of mediation, they would be required to enter binding interest arbitration. 
    • Removes fundamental bargaining power from the parties and allows a panel of unaccountable government officials to impose a contract
  • Increased penalties for employers
    • Would increase the civil penalties for unfair labor practices committed by employees, but not unions during an organized drive
    • Increases fines on employers
• Will probably be the next big piece of legislation to be passed
• Business owners
  • Communicate with employees-make sure they understand their wages are competitive
  • Listen to grievances
  • Implement a plan

Motion made to create letters to Wisconsin Congressmen and Senators about this piece of legislation (Gary/Jeff) passed.  Tony will send us some information to help with the letter.

Meeting adjourned at1PM