NEA President Van Roekel on Fox Business: Workers Won’t Be Silenced
Tags: Bulls & Bears, collective bargaining, dennis van roekel, wisconsin rallies
The efforts in several states to eliminate collective bargaining are part of a campaign to silence the voices of America’s workers and middle class. That was the message that National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel delivered to a national television audience February 25 as a guest on the Fox Business program Bulls & Bears.
“What they’re doing is trying to destroy the balance between the voice of the working people and corporations and CEOs,” Van Roekel said, referring to politicians in states such as Wisconsin and Ohio who seek to roll back decades of collective bargaining rights for workers. Van Roekel said he has been encouraged by the strong reaction of workers, who have stood together in protests around the country to send a message that they will not be silenced.
Scapegoating workers for political gain will not help states eliminate budget shortfalls. Instead, Van Roekel said, several states are bringing workers to the table to collaborate on solutions to keep state economies strong and their budgets in line.
“You have to listen to the voices of workers if you’re going to find solutions,” Van Roekel said.
To watch the interview with Van Roekel in its entirety, click below.