Wisconsin: ‘As Long As It Takes’
Tens of thousands marched in Madison this weekend as cracks appeared in the Republican caucus. Meanwhile, some union leaders have announced they will accept the governor’s economic takeaways. Rank and filers say they've already given too much. Photo: Sue Ruggles.- Login or register to post comments
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updated February 22
The spirit in Wisconsin is best captured by two teachers from Janesville sitting on the stairs inside the Capitol. They’re holding the sign that’s everywhere at these protests—“Care about Educators Like They Care for Your Child.”
The two answered their union’s call and headed to Madison. They arrived with 120 other educators from Janesville, where schools were closed Thursday and Friday due to the teachers’ sick-out. The protests that have jammed the state Capitol are the first political rallies they have joined—ever.
But the two teachers wouldn’t reveal their names. Janesville administrators had implied there “may be some consequence” for truant teachers.
Governor Scott Walker has proposed legislation that would crush teachers’ and other public workers’ unions. It would stop their ability to collect member dues through payroll deductions and end any requirement that employees pay union dues at all. It would require union bargaining units to hold an annual certification vote in order to maintain
