Wisconsin workers fight back against union-busting attempt by Gov. Scott Walker

In the wake of a poor economy, public employees throughout the country are being targeted for major cuts in wages, healthcare and collective bargaining rights. In Wisconsin, public workers aren’t taking the Republican-led proposed cutbacks lying down.  Flooding the Rotunda at the State Capital building, public employees and their supporters are sending a loud and strong message with signs and megaphones blasting newly- elected Governor Scott Walker.

In spite of the protestors which have been estimated at 40,000 strong, Walker stands firm.  “I told the voters what I would do to get Wisconsin working again,” said Scott Walker at a press conference.  “We are going to do what it takes to get this budget on track.”  Walker explained that Wisconsin is facing a $137 million budget deficit. The Republican Party of Wisconsin defended Walker’s assessment and has said that Walker's plan will save Wisconsin $30 million over the next three months and $300 million over the next two years.

Although Walker cites budgetary woes for the proposed cutbacks, the Governor recently gave businesses a $117 million tax break, while according to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue; two-thirds of corporations do not pay any taxes. Raising eyebrows further, Walker himself has said that the state can save $165 million by the end of next June simply by restructuring existing debt.

A New York Times editorial titled ‘Gov. Walker’s Pretext,’ summarizes the the event.  ‘The Governor is refusing to accept his own share of responsibility for the state’s projected $137 million shortfall,’ said the editorial. ‘Just last month, he and the Legislature gave away $117 million in tax breaks, mostly for businesses that expand and for private health savings accounts. That was a choice lawmakers made, and had it not been for those decisions and a few others, according to the state’s Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the state would have had a surplus. ‘  

So why the seemingly immediate need for the drastic cuts by the Governor?   To bust unions, opponents say.  Mother Jones reported a good portion of the funding for Governor Walker’s campaign came from the ultra-conservative Koch Brothers. 

According to Think Progress,  ‘Koch owns a coal company subsidiary with facilities in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Ashland and Sheboygan; six timber plants throughout the state; and a large network of pipelines in Wisconsin. While Koch controls much of the infrastructure in the state, they have laid off workers to boost profits. At a time when Koch Industries owners David and Charles Koch awarded themselves an extra $11 billion of income from the company, Koch slashed jobs at their Green Bay plant.’

Think Progress continues by saying, ‘Koch Industries was one of the biggest contributors to Walker’s gubernatorial campaign, funneling $43,000 over the course of last year. In return, Koch front groups are closely guiding the Walker agenda. The American Legislative Exchange Council, another Koch-funded group, advised Walker and the GOP legislature on its anti-labor legislation and its first corporate tax cuts.’

The outcome of the struggle in Wisconsin will be closely watched.  If Republicans are successful in their cutback and union-busting efforts here, the stage will be set for a national, state-by state loss of union and worker rights.

Domenick Pilla is also the NY Culture Examiner

© 2011 Domenick Pilla
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