in Wisconsin, Gov. Walker pushed ahead to eliminate collective bargaining for most public employees by using a parliamentary ploy to get his bill passed. Essentially, he separated the budget issue from the collective bargaining issue, and this change did not need the Democratic legislators who had vacated the state to be present.

This maneuver “€” indeed, this entire effort “€” has given the union movement a boost. And we will take advantage. Locally we are working with a variety of coalitions, including Jobs with Justice, to forge ahead.  A number of activities have been scheduled.

At the BTU’s membership meeting this past week teachers Robert Lamothe and Yvonne Troxel featured a film from their recent trip to Wisconsin to observe the events. You can see it here, and also feel free to explore their excellent webpage.

There are many other states facing the same play-out as Wisconsin. Some of Indiana’s legislators have taken up temporary residence in Illinois for the same reason as did Wisconsin’s legislators: to avoid giving Indiana’s governor a quorum to pass anti-collective-bargaining legislation. In Ohio, similar legislation is being considered. Ditto in Idaho. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Gov. Christie continues to build his career by mocking teachers and their unions while playing loose with the facts. Stay tuned for more Wisconsin-like challenges.