Bill to gut Wis. state workers' union rights

MADISON, Wis. - Thousands of public employees demonstrated at the state capitol Tuesday against a plan, almost certain to be approved, to virtually strip them of their collective-bargaining rights.

The bid to reduce bargaining rights for most of Wisconsin's 175,000 public employees is the boldest step by a new Republican governor and Legislature to solve budget problems by confronting organized labor.

The state Senate and Assembly are expected to vote as soon as Thursday on Gov. Scott Walker's plan, which exempts only police, firefighters, and the state patrol.

More than 10,000 public employees banged on drums and shouted, "Save our state!" and "Kill the bill!"

Legislative leaders said Walker's measure had enough support in both chambers to pass. He has said it is necessary to address a projected $3.6 billion budget deficit.

Under Walker's plan, unions can still represent workers but cannot seek pay increases above the consumer price index unless approved by a public referendum. Unions also cannot force employees to pay dues and will have to hold annual votes to stay organized.

In exchange for losing leverage and paying more toward their pensions and health care, public employees are promised no furloughs or layoffs. "We're broke and we don't want to lay off" thousands, said Senate President Mike Ellis, a Republican, who added, "They've got the votes to pass it."

Union representatives were attempting to sway key moderates for a compromise, but the minority Democrats said the bill was tough to stop.

"The Legislature has pushed these employees off the cliff, but the Republicans have decided to jump with them," said Sen. Bob Jauch, one of 14 Democrats in the 33-member chamber. Republicans hold a 57-38-1 edge in the Assembly.

New GOP governors and legislatures in other states have proposed cutting back on public employee costs to reduce budget shortfalls, but Wisconsin's move appears to be the most extensive.

Kathy Lusiak, 59, a computer lab aide at Prairie Lane Elementary School in Kenosha, said the bill would cost her about a third of her $21,000-per-year salary.

"I'm totally shocked," said Lusiak, who joined the protest. "I never thought it would be this drastic."