February 23, 2012

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UW school cancels labor art display

February 22, 2012 By

A Republican lawmaker who has an often contentious relationship with the University of Wisconsin has gotten the UW’s School for Workers to cancel an “Art in Protest” exhibit that had been scheduled for next month. “The problem with it is that it would be funded with taxpayer dollars and that’s through the Extension,” says Representative Steve Nass, who chairs the Assembly committee on colleges and universities. “If the unions want to fund it, I have no problem with that.”

Nass charges the exhibit would have provided a one-sided view of last year’s protests at the Capitol, with UW Extension taking the side of protesters. “I did indicate to Extension that if they go forward with the event, any problems that arise from that, or any misbehavior by the protectors – which I certainly would expect, it would probably be very despicable – Extension would take ownership of that, and I will be watching.”

The School for Workers decided to cancel the show. Nass says he’s never made any secret of his opposition to taxpayer funding for the school, which was founded in 1925.

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (1:08)

Filed Under: Human Interest, Labor, Legislature, News

The State of Rock County

January 27, 2012 By

Rock County union leaders want Governor Scott Walker to know they don’t share his optimistic vision on job creation. UAW Local 95 president Mike Marcks joined educators and unemployed individuals outside the Rock County Job Center Thursday evening. “Are you going to continue to accept this? This is nuts. We got too many people that are continually laid off, on and on and on. And then, only thing they do to help the people is not only to take away some of their unemployment benefits, but then to put in the waiting week.”

AUDIO: Marcks, Knutsen (:60) [Read more...]

Filed Under: Labor, News, Politics & Government

Strike ends at Manitowoc Cranes (AUDIO)

January 20, 2012 By

A two month strike is over at Manitowoc Cranes. Members of Local 516 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted 112 to 59 Thursday to ratify the company’s latest offer. The union’s main objection was the company’s freedom of choice provision which allows workers not to be union members in order to be employed. There was also word that Manitowoc would hire permanent replacements if a deal wasn’t reached soon. “Our committee didn’t see anything about people being replaced,” says Leon Gauthier, a union member who voted no. “That’s all crap, a bunch of bull from somebody. We don’t know where it came from, but I don’t believe it.” Don Griffin, business representative for IAM’s District 10 office in Milwaukee, was asked about the rumor. “Unfortunately, from what I heard, some media station had it scrolling on the bottom of the screen that the company did say they were going to. But they did notify the union” of any such plans, says Griffin.

AUDIO: Manitowoc Cranes workers (1:20) [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, Labor, News

Governor gets boos, cheers at MLK event (SLIDESHOW)

January 16, 2012 By

Professor Sherrilyn Ifill speaks at MLK ceremony at Wisconsin Capitol (PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)

The 32nd annual event recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. draws a big crowd in the Capitol rotunda, including some protesters who booed as Governor Scott Walker was introduced and shouted “shame” after he read the official MLK proclamation.

Professor Sherrilyn Ifill, University of Maryland School of Law, is the keynote speaker at the ceremony remembering the slain civil rights leader. “We know that Dr. King would have been on the side of workers struggling to receive a fair wage and decent working conditions.”

Loud cheers and applause come from the crowd as the professor mentions Dr. King’s commitment to labor. “We know this not because Dr. King was partisan; Dr. King famously said both political parties have betrayed the cause of justice.”

Walker faces a recall after gutting collective bargaining. While some in attendance boo the governor, many more cheer and applaud his introduction. Walker reads the official MLK proclamation, but nothing more. Governors in the past, including Walker, had traditionally given a speech or personal story relating to the workings of Dr. King.

Ifill speaks about King’s legacy and she speculates as to how he would react to today’s requirement for voter photo ID, considering King fought against the poll tax. “I can’t help but know how Dr. King would have responded to onerous requirements that require (certain groups) to have a government issued ID to vote.”

Ifill believes King would have been engaged in all of these issues if he were here today.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:47

Filed Under: Featured Story, Labor, News, Politics & Government

Walker talks reform

January 5, 2012 By

While speaking at Washington free market think tank, Governor Scott Walker defended his policies on public employees including collective bargaining changes and requiring higher pensions and health contributions.

In today’s talk, “Are Wisconsin’s Budget Reforms a Model for Other States,” Walker said the issue is not only favored only by Republicans – as Democrats such as N.Y. Governor Cuomo, Mass. Governor Patrick and even Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel also want labor changes.

“Who would’ve thought a year ago when Occupy Chicago protestors came in, they’d mention my name and Rahm Emanuel’s name in the same breath,” said Walker, adding these changes “make sense.”

Gov. Walker said his fiscal policies are a way to protect the retirement benefits of those in public service. He mentioned states like Illinois – which fail to make tough budgetary decisions – are now looking to cut pension benefits.

The American Enterprise Institute hosted Walker for the event.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (1:15)

Filed Under: Economy, Labor, News, Politics & Government Tagged With:
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