The employees of the Rock County work hard to provide vital services that make our county a great place to live, work and visit. For decades, union represented county employees were protected by a Just Cause standard in their contracts. All firefighters and police officers in our county currently have those protections in their contracts, as well and Janesville City and Janesville School District employees and protected by ordinance.

In 2011 the ability to negotiate a contract for most public workers was removed by state government. For Rock County employees, Just Cause was then moved to the employee handbook. In recent years it has disappeared from county policy without notice. Now, disturbingly, employees can be disciplined including being fired without cause or treated differently from other employees in the exact same situation.  

Just Cause helps guide management and workers alike, holding everyone accountable and giving both a legitimate system where everyone knows the procedure. It includes the basic elements of due process and fair treatment making a productive work environment. Ultimately, our county provides the best services when workers feel respected and don’t have to worry about being disciplined without cause.