Madison chamber denounces Walker’s ‘adversarial’ approach

[Ellipsis]

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) are supporting Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to cut the wages and benefits of public employees, but the business organizations are not endorsing his insistence on revoking the collective bargaining rights of the workers.

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce president Jennifer Alexander sent out the following e-mail to her members: “I know that many of you have grave concerns regarding the issues that are in the forefront in Madison. I do too. “These are difficult times. Like the private sector, the state is faced with difficult decisions. It is a time and an economy that requires everyone to tighten their belts, private sector and public sector alike.
“The GMCC supports the work to address the state budget deficit and the efforts toward improving the state's economy. That support ends at the adversarial way elected officials are approaching it. Public policy issues of this magnitude should not be rushed through the legislative process. Given this state's long history of collective bargaining, policy changes of this magnitude should be thoroughly debated for an adequate period of time, in good faith by both sides, with all potential consequences considered.

Currently, that is not happening.“The state budget bill and upcoming legislation are likely to impact greater Madison's economy. Please know that your chamber has been and will continue to work hard on behalf of Madison area businesses and our economy.”

Tim Sheehy, president of the MMAC, told Wisconsin Public Radio, “I think where the flexibility here is the whole issue of collective bargaining and whether this is a necessary step for the state to take. It certainly seems it’s gotten employees and unions to the table … It’s fair to discuss the narrowing of collective bargaining. Whether we throw it out completely or not is not something we’ve taken a position on.”Sheehy told BizTimes today his membership has responded by making more than 700 contacts with the Legislature and is supportive of making the “necessary” changes.

http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2011/2/21/#madison-chamber-denounces-walkers-adversarial-approach

[HereSince1628]

1. The unnecessary union busting is recognized as such by business

There is a significant bit of bending by those who contribute campaign funds to republicans.

This is a very good thing.

[lisa58]

2. I'm impressed....

...more businesses need to step up for the protesters.

[rurallib]

3. you can fuck 'em over Scott

just try to look glorious and heroic while doing it.