Department of Employee Relations

Steering and Rules Committee Approves Legislation Making Milwaukee a Sensory Inclusive City

Fire Chief in Line For Huge Pay Increase Due to ‘Mistake’

Council decision led to 'enormous' raise for police chief, could benefit fire chief.

Chambers, Zamarripa Trade Profanity, Barbs Over Policy

Blowup results in Pérez shaking up committee assignments. Could a censure be next?

Alverno College Announces Two New Members of the Board of Trustees

What’s In the 44 Footnotes Added to Milwaukee’s Budget?

Record number of footnotes reveal what council members are thinking. And who's the new prolific author?

Milwaukee Temporarily Closes Its STI Clinic

Health department does 45,000 sexually-transmitted infection tests per year.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Temporarily Closes Sexual and Reproductive Health (STI) Clinic to Address Staffing Shortages

Ald. Coggs sponsors budget amendments aimed at creating a more equitable, innovative Milwaukee

These City Employees Make More Than Mayor Cavalier Johnson

27 employees top the city's pay scale.

City of Milwaukee and MPL to kick off Fall & Winter Career Fair Tour

Residents can visit various locations around the City to learn about available job opportunities

From Brownfields to Blue Waters, Mayor Names New Port Director

Benji Timm tapped to lead Port Milwaukee.

Port Traffic Down 24% Versus 2024

But cruise traffic is right on target, and there are other indicators.

Port Director Being Promoted To City’s HR Director

City's current head of HR leaving city government.

Milwaukee Agrees To New Labor Deal With One of Its Biggest Unions

But it comes with a big price tag.

Negotiating Milwaukee’s Police, Fire Contracts Gets Messy

'Sloppy' says a council member as city cycles through labor negotiator nominees.

Council adopts resolution in support of veterans’ mental health awareness

Momentum Grows for Cash Payments To Low-Income Pregnant Women, New Mothers

Unconditional cash payment program initiated by Zilber would be expanded with city funding.

Council Happy With New Election Chief

'You are honestly one of the smartest people I have ever met,' says one alderman.

City Government Could Launch a Daycare

Proposal for new perk aims to help city retain and attract employees.

City Attorney Race Is Vitally Important

Incumbent Tearman Spencer has caused countless problems for City of Milwaukee.

City Spends $77,000 To Resolve Harassment Claim Against Spencer

Embarrassing payoff comes amid city attorney's reelection campaign.

Milwaukee Will Pay More Than $60,000 To Settle Tearman Spencer Harassment Claim

Council moves to approve settlement while Spencer seeks reelection.

Council Approves Raises For Elected Officials, Administrators

Vote was 9-6. Elected officials will get 15% hike, non-elected leaders even more.

Elected Officials Pay Hike Wins First Endorsement, Opposition

Multi-million dollar proposal also includes raises for dozens of department, division leaders.

City Attorney Spencer Faces Inspector’s Call For Ouster, Likely Violation Of Discrimination Law

Inspector General says attorney, deputy committed misconduct in office, state hearing coming on separate case.

Mayor Johnson Backs Pay Hikes For Elected Officials, Including Him

Raises for 81 employees defended by mayor's chief of staff in exclusive interview.

Street Light Outages Vex City Officials

Even after passing street lighting fee the city struggles to hire electricians.

Zapata Resigns City Job Before Disciplinary Decision

Former deputy election director faces felony and misdemeanor charges for voter fraud.

Goyke Will Challenge Spencer for City Attorney

Democratic state representative plans run against highly controversial city official.

Council Reverses Cuts, Raises Fees In Adopting 2023 Milwaukee Budget

But police will still see service reduction and drastic cuts will come in future years without changes at state level.

Discrimination Lawsuit Will Cost City $400,000

Council grumbles but okays settlement. 'A very bitter pill to swallow,' says Ald. Murphy.

Council Beefing Up Negotiation Team In Advance of Public Safety Contract Talks

Funding comes from City Attorney's Office.

Milwaukee Spending $1.5 Million On Lawsuits, Including Two Police Conduct Cases

And another $1.5 million in settlements is pending.

Mayor Johnson’s New HR Director Gets Committee Endorsement

Harper Donahue would move from the City of Madison to Milwaukee.

Spencer Faces Sex Discrimination Claim

The City Attorney also accused of bypassing city ordinance to hire outside counsel.

Workers Seeking Raises Find Open Ears, Empty Pockets

Pension cliff and stagnant wages are pushing city toward a 'tipping point.'

More Turnover In City Attorney’s Office

6 attorneys recently resigned or were fired; 24 have left in less than two years. Non-attorneys also quitting.

Fessahaye Leaving For Chief Human Resources Job At UWM

With the city since Jan. 2021, HR director will become associate vice chancellor at UWM.

City Boosts 911 Operator Pay By 26%

Milwaukee dealing with staffing shortage as call volume grows, system overhaul looms.

Putin-Backing Assistant City Attorney Fired

Jennifer DeMaster terminated after pro-Russian remarks on Russia Today. But City Attorney says comments weren't the issue.

Dimitrijevic’s Parental Leave Policy Passed

Council votes 10-2 in favor, but measure reduced from 12 to six weeks paid leave.

Anti-Harassment Policy Expanded After City Attorney Case

Effort took more than a year, from investigation to enactment.

Common Council Adopts Resolution Amending City’s Anti-Harassment Policy

On Tuesday the Common Council adopted a resolution directing the Department of Employee Relations to update the City’s anti-harassment policy

Firefighters Union Approves Vaccine-or-Mask Requirement

Voluntary agreement similar to ones adopted by city's police unions.

Police Union Adopts Vaccine-or-Mask Rule

Unvaccinated officers face termination for failure to comply with mask requirement. Union not happy.

Dettmer’s Appointment As Public Works Head Is Historic

First female to lead DPW, first time that no major mayor-appointed leaders are white males.

General City Workers Will Get 2% Raise

First raise for non-resident workers since 2008.

Forum Names 2021 Local Government Award Winners

Five of winners picked by Wisconsin Policy Forum are local organizations and individuals.

116 Non-Vaccinated Workers Face Suspension

And possible termination. 95.3% of general city employees complied with vaccine mandate.

Howard Fuller, distinguished professor of education, to retire from Marquette

Republicans and Colin Kaepernick

Legislators opposition to honoring the NFL star is part of an ugly, historic pattern.

Governor Walker Appoints Cathy Jess to Serve as Secretary of the Department of Corrections, Thanks Jon Litscher for His Many Years of Service to Wisconsin

Cathy Jess’ first day as DOC secretary will be Monday, June 11.

Governor Scott Walker Announces Appointment of New Department of Corrections Secretary

"Jon Litscher has gained valuable experience by serving in numerous roles throughout his career, including various positions in state government."

How Republicans Will Dismantle Civil Service

The result will replace hiring and promotions by merit with political appointments.

Governor Scott Walker Announces Administrative Appointments

Today, Governor Scott Walker announced the following administrative appointments:

Fuller Endorses Common Core

Former MPS superintendent says the educational standards are good for students and teachers.

That’s Incredible – Why Marilyn’s Story Can’t Be Believed

I don't claim to know who's right in the vicious dispute between Marilyn Figueroa and John Norquist.