The Unions, Scott Walker, and What Happened the First Time He Tried To Bust The Unions

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Honestly, I am sick of hearing how awful unions are. How, those workers don't deserve those benefits. Again, let me state that Bill and I are NOT union employees. I have no reason to tout their virtues except that unions have helped us all. Just like everything else in life, there are good unions and bad unions. For every story you have about how the union has protected a bad member, I can tell you one where it has saved jobs. Instead of wondering why their benefits are better than yours, why aren't you demanding that you have the same benefits?!? Here are some of the things that unions have done to make all of our work lives better:

  • Weekends off. In 1870, workers were required to work 61 hours on average a week. Labor unions engaged in strikes which in turn led to the the Fair Labor Standards Act which helped create a federal framework for a shorter workweek.
  • Fair Wages And Income Equality. The decline in unions have mirrored the decline of the middle class. Coincidence? I think not.
  • Put an end to child labor. See the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Employer-Based Health Coverage.
  • FMLA. Labor unions led the fight for this 1993 law, which “requires state agencies and private employers with more than 50 employees to provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected unpaid leave annually for workers to care for a newborn, newly adopted child, seriously ill family member or for the worker’s own illness.”
  • Overtime Pay.
  • Workmen's Compensation.
  • Unemployment Insurance protection if you lose your job through no fault of your own.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Pensions.

Individually, workers are powerless. Collectively they can control their fates. That is the importance of unions regardless if you are in one or not. Well, what does that have to do with Scott Walker? Plenty. If you are a regular reader here, you will know that I have done plenty of posts on what is going on in Wisconsin. However, I just came across this video from The Rachel Maddow Show that shows how Scott Walker did what he is doing now for the State of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. And how bad it turned out. Watch:

If you can't get the video to work, here's what you will see. You will learn that Scott Walker manufactured a budget crisis there. In January, the courts rules that Scott Walker invented a fake financial emergency to justify him improperly firing the county's unionized security guards. Best of all, he handed all those union jobs to a private FOREIGN company. A company that has been in trouble (aff) before (see 2 (aff):30 into the video. This part is definitely NSFW). Now that the courts have ruled that Scott Walker improperly fired those workers they have to be hired back. They also have a contract with the foreign security firm. What does that mean? Milwaukee is paying for not one but two security firms. Where is the cost savings in that? If this didn't work in Milwaukee, I'm not sure how Scott Walker thinks this will work for the whole state.

This high stakes game of chicken has to end. If this was truly about the budget, as soon as the unions gave into the concessions, this should have been over. Instead, it is not and has turned into a power grab of epic (aff) proportions.

Lisa Martin

In April 2006, Lisa began blogging to stay connected with distant relatives and friends. As she delved into blogging, she discovered the potential to assist others by sharing her experiences. Lisa has actively engaged in numerous exclusive media ventures. Notable among these are her participation in events such as the Sony Mommy Bloggers Event, the Pampers Mommy Bloggers Event, the Epson Event in Chicago, the Stouffers Event, a memorable yacht excursion with Lands End, collaborations with 1-800-Baskets, an exclusive tour for bloggers by Mrs. Prindable’s, partnerships with Hallmark, PopCap games, Chicago Cubs Mastercard Priceless Events, and Rug Doctor. In addition, she has collaborated with Nutrisystem on a weight loss initiative, teamed up with Buick and Chevy, and served as a brand ambassador for Sprint. Lisa's collaboration portfolio also extends to Disney, where she has participated in press trips for significant movies such as Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, McFarland USA, The Good Dinosaur, The BFG, and Cars 3. Notably, for projects like Frozen, The BFG, and Cars 3, she was granted the privilege of walking the red carpet and conducting interviews with celebrities. The impact of Lisa's blog has gained recognition, with The New York Times referencing her content. Moreover, she has been featured in interviews by respected publications such as the Southtown Star, The Chicago Sun Times, and inside.