On the twentieth page, under procedures, we find that

4. All bids shall adhere to the prevailing wage standard for that area, as determined by the Wisconsin Statutes, Section 66.293, (applicable to all contracting done by Wisconsin municipalities).

Is the Archdiocese generally equating union scale or prevailing wages and just wages. Not really. In the minutes of the local priests' union's February 25, 2004 meeting we find that the Archdiocese had been using an outside consulting firm in determining annual raises in priests' salaries. The minutes seem to say that, for the first time, the consultant's recommendation was not followed. Raises will be 2.5%, rather than the 5% it recommended, and the consultant has been terminated. The Archbishop decided on smaller raises so they would be more in line with raises being given to lay staff.

[Fr.] Ken Mich said this was not an issue about the Archbishop's authority, but rather concern over the system that was put in place to bring us up to parity with people with comparable responsibilities and positions.

At the parish level, the goal, set by the Archdiocese as I understand it, is to get employee pay up to 80% of comparable wages. At St. Al's, last I saw, this was done by comparing to the local public sector equivalent. So far, the parish has never been able to get up to that 80% level. Despite that, I assume the cost of the recent building project included paying union scale. These provisions in the Procedures are presented as requirements of justice, but they turn out to be special interest legislation.

¶ 9/30/2005 08:27:00 AM