Members of Madison Teachers Inc. and the union face huge challenges as the beginning of the school year approaches. First there is the question of when and how to open schools safely. Second, there is the issue of properly funding the schools, including the new costs associated with protecting students and teachers from the virus. […]
Delays, Denials in Wisconsin Unemployment
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced July 8 that it would triple the number of staff, enabling the department to increase the rate at which calls are answered and claims decided. DWD also expanded its hours of operation. On weekdays, from 6:15 am to 5:30 pm staff in the help center will take calls. […]
Workers at CUNA Mutual Bargain for COVID-19 Protections
Workers at CUNA Mutual Group in Madison are circulating a petition as a part of a campaign to get changes to work rules, health and safety precautions, and job security due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Major points of the petition are guarantees of no lost wages due to sickness, quarantine, or childcare issues, and a […]
Seeking Answers: Madison Residents Face Uncertainty in Unemployment
Last week, nearly 70,000 Wisconsinites applied for unemployment insurance as many businesses have begun to close in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Last year, just over 5,200 residents applied for unemployment over the same week. And just yesterday, 10,872 people filed for unemployment in Wisconsin, nearly 10,000 more than did on that date […]
State Can’t Enforce Federal Tobacco Age
Last month, President Donald Trump signed a bill raising the federal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21. Rather than give retailers time to train staff, change signage, and prepare for the new legislation, the Food and Drug Administration said the bill would take effect immediately. That means that state and local law enforcement […]
Retaliation at Just Bakery for Anti-F-35 Stance
Madison Area Urban Ministry launched Just Bakery in 2014. Just Bakery is an employment training program that also hires people with barriers to employment. They work with people who are currently or formerly incarcerated, on probation or parole, going through homelessness, trauma or substance use disorders, or those without GED’s. Just Bakery trains 48-60 people […]
