Madison, Wis. denies attempt for greater benefits for gay employees

[Ian David]

February 27, 2007

MADISON, Wis. - The city on Tuesday rejected a grievance filed by one of its unions seeking greater health insurance benefits for the partners of gay and lesbian employees.

The rejection came just weeks after Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and City Council members made a strong statement for gay rights by pledging to amend their oath of office to protest the state's new ban on gay marriage.

The grievance accuses the city of violating its union contracts by failing to offer full health benefits to gay and lesbian employees because its insurer does not cover domestic partners.

Those employees only qualify for single _ not family _ coverage and are paid about $600 per month to help their partners purchase coverage on the open market.

The stipend does not cover the full cost of buying insurance, it does not extend through retirement and partners with medical coverage have difficulty qualifying on their own, said Scott Matthews, a city property appraiser and union leader who filed the grievance.

More:
http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2007/02/madison-denies-attempt-for-greater.html

[rodeodance]

1. Madison , over the last 10 years is leaning RED---something that I NEVER

thought was possible!!!! but reflects the rest of the state overall.

[closeupready]

2. Very sad.

But this is a long-term trend for both Madison and Wisconsin. So I'm not really surprised. Though I often wonder what Bob LaFollette would think about it.