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Republican governors' abuse of power
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by YankeeJim | February 18, 2011 at 06:18 am
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The issue is not that state union workers are overcompensated
The issue is that some states bargained with unions and gave them more benefits than the states could afford. That was a result of poor planning and forecasting, and poor leadership by the presiding state executive. Perhaps few people anticipate the catastrophic downturn and that is why the states’ executives in many cases should come to the bargaining table to address the problem.
Using the situation to “bust” the unions as Republican governors are want to do simply undermines the collective bargaining process in a manner that is unfair and is why labor was organized to begin with.
That is why Obama’s support for organized labor is appropriate. He represents organized labor and is fighting against Republican abuse of power.
Running to the legislature for a change in law evades and undermines collective bargaining process.
“Obama is siding with state workers in Wisconsin's state budget brawl, report Brady Dennis and Peter Wallsten:"President Obama thrust himself and his political operation this week into Wisconsin's broiling budget battle, mobilizing opposition Thursday to a Republican bill that would curb public-worker benefits while planning similar action in other state capitals. Obama accused Scott Walker, the state's new Republican governor, of unleashing an 'assault' on unions in pushing emergency legislation that would nullify collective-bargaining agreements that affect most public employees, including teachers... By the end of the day, Democratic Party officials were working to organize additional demonstrations in Ohio and Indiana, where an effort is underway to trim benefits for public workers."”
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"thirty-aught-six" (not verified)
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (7)
at 07:04 on February 18th, 2011
"a Republican bill that would curb public-worker benefits" is a long way from "unleashing an 'assault' on unions in pushing emergency legislation that would nullify collective-bargaining agreements". But Obama's pro-union- big government agenda must hold sway even in the face of impending State bankruptcy. The end result will be that more State's will have to fire civil servants to remain solvent and do as California, and write out billions in IOU's for their children to pick up the tab. It looks like you're ok with State bankruptcy as long as the union doesn't have to take a step back from the public trough during this economic depression.
at 10:52 on February 18th, 2011
When it comes to labor, Democrats give birth.
at 13:44 on February 18th, 2011
If Obama is that concerned with labor he should be down on the street corner making sure the illegals he keeps promising to give citizenship to are getting union wages. Not backbiting the States for trying to dig themselves out of a global recession. Even the pig has the wherewithal to step back from the trough when it's empty of feed.
at 17:36 on February 18th, 2011
The process for states to get out of the hole is at the bargaining table.
Agreed, the borders must be closed and all of the poor Americans can pick fruit.
at 23:24 on February 18th, 2011
I see in Washington and Oregon they have begun to remove most of the add ons to public service programs. Only out there they are being labeled racist and anti-immigration by the special interests groups. As each State in turn drops deeper into the red we can expect the cry and hue will only get louder as the pinch bears down.
The borders should be regulated according to the law period. The poor American urbanite is too good to pick fruit. That kind of honest labor is beneath them.
at 04:42 on February 19th, 2011
The downturn in revenues from the Feds hit the States and everyone is running scared as they can't pay bills.
Missing is the call for all to reduce their salaries as in a depressed economy wages must fall, especially to that of a global average. Equal pay for equal work in a global economy. That is change you can't stop.
at 12:31 on February 19th, 2011
LOL. I don't think this is about equal pay for equal work.