Wisconsinites
bused from across the state to rally in Madison against newly-elected Republican Governor Scott Walker's plan to end public employee collective bargaining.
A
public hearing begun Tuesday morning lasted until 3 AM Wednesday morning, when Republican legislators ended it; Democratic legislators said they would continue to hear those who wanted to speak.
The Joint Committee on Finance will vote on
the bill today. The legislature will vote on the bill tomorrow, Thursday.
Among the
bill's union busting provisions is one that requires annual re-certification of union representation by workers.
Supporters can use the AFSCME toll-free line to tell their legislators to vote against Walker's union busting bill: 1-877-753-5578.
Workers displayed protest signs including:
"If Wisconsin is broke, why did Walker use taxpayer $ to go to the Super Bowl?" "Walker's Labor Policies: Let the Brain Drain Begin" "Dear WI, We're the folks who brought you weekends, work comp, OSHA, Social Security, and Unemployment. Yours truly, WI Unions" ”Negotiate! Not Dictate” ”Taking our contract doesn't solve the budget mess”United We Bargain, Divided We Beg The crowd of protesters broke out in raucous cheers when
firefighters joined in support.
Although national media coverage has been very limited (but mega thanks to
Ed on MSNBC for his great coverage with Wisconsin's own John Nichols),
Fox 11 media was on the scene.
Fighting Bob is proud - but it's not done yet.