Rachel reporting that Wisconsin unions that supported republicans are excluded from union busting

[no limit]

I didn't see this today, amazing coincidence!

All the major public unions in Wisconsin that supported republicans during the last election (the police union, firefighters union, and state troopers union) are excluded from the union busting bill. All other unions are not spared, including such public safety unions as the correction officer union. This isn't about balancing the budget, this is about using the state government to eliminate as much opposition to a political party as possible. How is this type of shit even legal? And how is the media not reporting on this?

I'm not win Wisconsin, hopefully the local coverage is much better than the pile of shit the national media has mostly given us.

Edit, here is a link:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-14/wisconsin-contract-bill-political-payback-.html

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker wants to make sure just about everyone who works for the government can't negotiate their working conditions — except for local police, firefighters and state troopers.

Walker has introduced a bill that would strip public employees across the board — from teachers to snowplow drivers — of their right to collectively bargain for sick leave, vacation, even the hours they work. But absolutely nothing would change for local police, fire departments and the State Patrol.

The bill smacks of political favoritism for public safety unions that supported Walker's election bid last year and sets up new haves and have-nots in Wisconsin government, said Paul Secunda, a Marquette University professor who specializes in labor law.

"That's called 'thank you, I got your back,'" Secunda said. "There's no surprise there. This is the worst type of favoritism there could be."

Walker called the accusation "ridiculous". :eyes:

[mzteris]

1. Well - the police union was there today

so maybe they don't know that? Or maybe they do and don't give a rip 'cause they know they'd be next on the hit list.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. State police, not local

[Jackpine Radical]

6. There were large contingents of both police & firemen.

And yes, the special status of their unions is very well understood in WI.

As a side note, the Madison Fire Dept, from the chief on down, always supported the demonstrators back in the 60's antiwar era.

[DCKit]

13. Exactly. Their support in the election would only push them farther down the list...

and they damn well know it - Now.

What are the chances any of these unions are going to support the next (R) carpetbagger? And how many recalls are there going to be in the current round, and before June? I'm thinking no less than four... three of which will be successful.

I'm usually one of the first to decry the Cassandras on this board, but these Republic governors have seriously underestimated the potential backlash for these anti-American, anti-Democratic, hurtful acts against their own people. They've revealed themselves as the monsters they are.

[maxsolomon]

2. i'd say the courts would declare it unconstitutional

but who the hell knows anymore - i certainly wouldn't trust the SCOTUS.

[riderinthestorm]

3. Pretty damn important factoid. K&R for more exposure. nt

[PeaceNikki]

4. Yet those union workers have been marching in solidarity in Madison.

This is a well-known factoid here in Badgerland.

[no limit]

8. Didn't know that, great news

[Celtic Raven]

17. Good for them

They're not stupid. They realize they're next when it's in Gov. Walker's interest.

[Major Hogwash]

7. The unionbusting at the state level needs to be stopped now!!

Save the middle class.

NOW!

[upi402]

9. yep, it's urgent. n/t

[moondust]

10. Rachel nailed it.

Great job.

[no limit]

11. It was an amazing show tonight. It's so refreshing to be able to watch this on TV

[Lefta Dissenter]

12. firefighters and police

marching with us, for us. The firefighters union had over a thousand members there today, and the response from the crowd is absolutely incredible when they march through. Deafening "Thank you, Thank you" chants inside the capitol.

I was in tears this evening, when the firefighters marched around the square, bagpipes leading the way, formal dress, in formation. When I saw one of the firefighters also in tears, I just had to run out and hug her and thank her. Her name is Carla. THANK YOU, Carla!!! :applause:

[PeaceNikki]

14. Awesome.

:)

[EC]

15. Yeah, but they showed up to protest

in Solidarity with the others...now if the autoworkers, butchers, paper mill workers and the rest join in this week-end...it should be large..

[Vinnie From Indy]

16. Go Badgers!

Set the example for the rest of America!

Cheers to all of you!

[Blue Owl]

18. Purely political

K&R

[Uncle Joe]

19. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, no limit.