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Wisconsin Moves to Vote on Controversial Union Bill

   VOA News  February 24, 2011
   Opponents  to  the  governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining
   rights for many state workers sleep on the floor of the rotunda at the
   state  Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, at the start of the tenth day of
   protests, February 24, 2011

Photo: AP

   Opponents  to  the  governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining
   rights for many state workers sleep on the floor of the rotunda at the
   state  Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, at the start of the tenth day of
   protests, February 24, 2011

   State  lawmakers in the U.S. state of Wisconsin have reached a deal to
   move  forward with a bill limiting labor union powers, a proposal that
   has enraged state workers and triggered widespread protests.
   Democrats   in  the  state  Assembly  agreed  to  end  debate  on  the
   Republican-sponsored  legislation  early  Thursday,  making  way for a
   possible vote later in the day.
   The  legislation  would  greatly  reduce  the rights for public sector
   union members to collectively bargain the terms of their employment.
   Wisconsin's  Republican  Governor  Scott  Walker  has  spearheaded the
   initiative,  arguing the move is necessary to save money and close the
   state's budget gap.
   But  Democratic  lawmakers  have  fiercely resisted the move.  All 14
   Democratic  state  senators fled the state last week to prevent a vote
   on the measure.
   Thousands  of  people  have  gathered  over the past days at the state
   Capitol building to protest against the bill. Â
   Public  workers and union supporters across the country have expressed
   fear  that  passage of the measure will trigger similar legislation in
   other  states.   Proposals to curb union powers are also under debate
   in nearby Ohio and Indiana.
   On  Wednesday, Governor Walker was duped into discussing his plans for
   breaking  the  protests and forcing a vote by a liberal blogger posing
   as conservative Republican supporter and billionaire David Koch.
   The  blogger  recorded  a  phone conversation with Walker in which the
   governor said he has considered inviting Democrats back for a meeting,
   during which Republicans could pass the measure.
   At least one Democratic senator needs to be present at the Capitol for
   the chamber to conduct business.
   Walker  told  reporters  later  that  he  would  not  let a prank call
   distract him from doing his job.

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