Government

From Cairo to Madison: Worker Unrest Spreads

It was an I-told-you-so moment.

On last night’s TV show, Glenn Beck noted that the “crazy” connections he had been trumpeting between progressives, including unions, and the Egyptian unrest was, well, not so crazy after all. As evidence, he noted the increasing union unrest in Wisconsin and protesters’ references to Egypt. The unions there are upset at an emergency budget proposal by new Governor Scott Walker that would end most collective bargaining rights for state workers:

On Tuesday, hundreds of Wisconsin‘s public employees and students clogged a hearing for hours and camped out in the state Capitol overnight in a desperate attempt to delay action on Walker’s plan.

The Legislature’s finance committee is preparing to vote on the measure, which would end collective bargaining for all state, county and local workers except for police, firefighters and the state patrol. The move marks the boldest step by a new Republican governor and Legislature to solve budget problems by confronting organized labor.

Opponents seized on the finance committee’s public hearing on the bill on Tuesday to launch what Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, called a “citizen filibuster” that tied up the hearing for hours. A vote by the committee would set up final votes in the state Senate and Assembly later this week.

Vos, the co-chair of the committee, finally ended the hearing at 3 a.m. Wednesday, 17 hours after it started. Democrats said they would continue to listen to workers who still wanted to speak. Republicans planned to reconvene later in the day to vote on the measure.

Two floors below the hearing, dozens of University of Wisconsin-Madison teaching assistants and students surged into the Capitol rotunda late Tuesday evening, putting down sleeping bags and blankets. Many were still asleep on the floor when the hearing ended.

“I just think it’s really crappy,” said Alison Port, a 19-year-old freshman from Wauwatosa as she clutched her laptop and her Green Bay Packers blanket. “Let’s take all the rights away. If he starts here, where’s he going to stop? What else is he going to throw at us? It’s only going to get more extreme.”

The issue is overtaking the state. School officials in Madison announced Wednesday’s classes were canceled because 40 percent of the 2,600 members in the teacher bargaining unit had called in sick.

Even some of the newly-crowned Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers got involved, issuing a statement in support of union workers.

“We know that it is teamwork on and off the field that makes the Packers and Wisconsin great. As a publicly owned team we wouldn’t have been able to win the Super Bowl without the support of our fans,” the statement, signed by five former players and two current ones, reads. “It is the same dedication of our public workers every day that makes Wisconsin run. They are the teachers, nurses and child care workers who take care of us and our families. But now in an unprecedented political attack Governor Walker is trying to take away their right to have a voice and bargain at work.”

The statement makes sense considering players are currently locked in a heated labor labor dispute with NFL owners.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (217)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • dizzyinthedark
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:35am

    Go Scott go, whoo hoo! I’m in support of any and all brave souls who will stand up for what is right for America. Unions bossing around the people are seeing the rest of us joining in their ‘game’ of Who’s The Boss! We The People, the American people are the boss, not the Union thugs, get it! Ever play the game of Risk? There’s more of us than you Mr. Union!

    Report Post » dizzyinthedark  
  • wash1776
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:31am

    The unions definitely need to be brought under some kind of control. They are breaking the backs of this country with their selfish, arrogant demands that has us so far in debt in all of the states. However, I do not agree that the police, state patrol , and firemen should be exempt. That sounds like Obama with his hearthcare exemptions to all of those unions and businesses. Someone else has to pay the cost for the people being exempted and that is NOT FAIR! MAKE IT EVERYONE GOVERNOR!

    Report Post »  
    • ScienceIsNotEvil
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:04am

      If Unions are so evil why do so many Republicans belong to one? The major political parties operate just like Unions including special protects and rights under the law that aren’t granted to other political parties.

      So I as, why the double standard?

      Report Post »  
    • Katayno
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:15am

      Does anyone have a choice to belong to a union. All my family belongs…but we are still Republicans.
      Unions have become thugs. Just like the Dem. party is not the party of JFK, the Unions have also changed. Love Christie and Walker….these are giants of men.

      Report Post »  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:44pm

      Scienceisnotevil:
      You forgot churches, with their tax exemptions.

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
  • hauschild
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:29am

    Ah, there‘s the Wisconsin I’ve come to know and dislike! I was just commenting the other day that electing Walker was so anti-Wisconsin status quo, but the beast rears its ugly head again.

    These people need to be seriously shamed – if that is even possible any longer.

    Report Post »  
    • heavllyarmed
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:52am

      spoken like a true unoin steward

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:01am

      Uh…..not sure you read my post the way I intended you to read it.

      Unions = BAD

      Better?

      Report Post »  
    • pudssweetie
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:21pm

      @ Hauschild, don‘t like WI then don’t live here or come here to visit, just that plain and simple.

      Report Post »  
  • USAqh
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:28am

    Attention Green Bay Packers – your FANS are not organized into a Union – last time I checked, they were at your games because they freely supported you ! I do believe their dedication to your team is a bit different than paid teachers, nurses and child care workers. I mean, really, if the teachers were so ‘dedicated’ they wouldn‘t have called in ’sick’ .. right?

    Report Post » USAqh  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:37am

      I guess the Packer fans are evil in their eyes, since they own the team.

      Report Post »  
    • IMPOTUS
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:49am

      There goes any love for the Green Bay Slackers. I was glad they saved the taxpayers millions by beating the Bears… can you imagine if King Hussein had gone to the Super Bowl??? But now they’re supporting commie unions… unbelievable. Is their ownership on the take? I live in NC and it is the least unionized state for public schools. I have a close friend who teaches at an elementary school and a daughter in another elementary school and I can assure you most teachers here don’t want any part of unions and the tyrrany and the BS that comes with them, even if they have to take a small hit or work a little harder! So yeah I am good and sick of those crybabies.

      Report Post » Who would Jesus bomb?  
    • Katayno
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:22am

      Come on guys….only 2 players were stupid….they were probably drafted from lib. state and don’t know any better. As long as it wasn’t my baby, Aaron Rogers.

      Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:30am

      @IMPOTUS

      The Packers are the only NFL Team owned by the people (stockholders) so they don’t have a billionaire owner. I noticed that the players supporting the unions are second stringers who probably think they should get paid as much as the ones who WON the Superbowl. Typical union mentality.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • pudssweetie
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:16pm

      @USAQH…Only 2 of the current Packers and 5 or 6 retired players are supporting the teachers, not the whole team.

      Report Post »  
  • Whostolemypig
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:27am

    Collective bargaining for ALL taxpayer funded employees should be band. If they don’t like their pay and working conditions they have an alternative, find work in the private sector. If they don’t have the skills to work in the private sector, then we sure as hell don’t need to be doling out public funds for inferior workers.

    Report Post »  
  • barrycooper
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:26am

    Make it happen, Wisconsin. The whiners may be out in the streets, but the ones who are actually paying your salaries are breathing a sigh of relief that some whiff of common sense seems to be comming along.

    All teachers–all public sector employees–have jobs because the rest of us work jobs that on average pay less, have vastly inferior retirement plans, and much less job security. Since we are paying your bills, it’s not unreasonable to expect you to live like us, too.

    Your BS only works when no one pays attention because no one cares. Obama has made damn sure a LOT of us care. He’s such a good community organizer that he got the Right organized too.

    Report Post »  
  • MaggieRose
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:19am

    Finally a governor with a pair! Chances my governor will do the same thing? El-Zippo! After all, SIEU and dead people got her elected… and Packers that supported the union thugs? Shut up!

    Report Post »  
  • RAH5250
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:18am

    Say NO to Union “Thugs and Goons”…Please say NO. I see NO useful purpose for a public employees union. If you don’t like what you get…….VOTE in your THUGS!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • workin4alivin
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:14am

    companies should relocate …

    Report Post » workin4alivin  
  • texan59
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:12am

    Why exactly do the police and firemen get exempted from this?

    Report Post »  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:33am

      Because, right now they are needed to maintain law and order from the protesters.Once the law is passed and things settle down they will be next, which isn’t such a bad thing

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:41pm

      Cemoto78:
      Shh–don’t let them hear you!

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
  • GUT_CHECK
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:09am

    can we bare a market approach to employment?

    oh, the end must be near…
    beware ! ! ! the children speak

    Report Post »  
  • jasontetzlaff
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:07am

    Two weeks ago the chants across Wisconsin were GO PACK GO. Now we all need to focus on GO SCOTT GO. Our public union in Wisconsin is CRAP and it is about time someone does something about it. I am sick and tired of being taxed like crazy to pay for those lazy bums.

    GO SCOTT GO!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:43am

      Beck should report regarding the mess Walker had to deal with in Milwaukee County, as County Executive, thanks to the unions/union mouth piece Democrats on the County Board. Talk about inheriting a corrupt situation and what he did to help cleaning it up, would make a great story.

      Report Post »  
  • Bob 75
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:07am

    The same thing is going on in Ohio right now. Union workers at all levels, from city workers to teachers, are packing the statehouse to demand their bargaining rights aren’t taken away. They need to wake up and understand they’ve had it pretty good for 30 years since CBA was made law in OH. Municipalities and school districts need flexibility during our current financial crisis to freeze or cut wages to all government workers. They NEED to wake up!!

    Report Post »  
  • bigdeg
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:07am

    My support for the govorner! PUBLICUNIONS SHE BE ABOLISHED!!! By definition they are not on the side of the public. Ironman is 100% right: They are producing an inferior product. I am in favor of school vouchers too!

    Report Post »  
  • MASSACHUSETTS MILITIA
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:05am

    No public employees should EVER be allowed to belong to a union. Allowing this to happen is allowing citizens money to be given to organized crime. Unions protect the weak and restrict the strong.
    Sounds like Wisconsin is waking up and trying to act in a responsible manner.

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:02am

    Not surprising, coming from the Communists in Madison. I wonder if that freshman would like to help the state budget deficit by paying higher tuition? As for the Packers listed, I’m sure the support of overpaid NFL players, points out the workers plight so well. Chris Jackie, a Kicker, whining about his wages? A back up Center? If the league isn’t paying you enough, then quit. A couple of guys that aren’t there any more…who cares..a few I have never heard of..really impressive Packer list..LOL

    Report Post »  
    • ILUVAMERICA
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:18am

      Hoorah for Walker!!! The Media is spinning this!! We the people of Wisconsin are behind him 100%!!
      Don’t believe them that we are upset! We are proud of him! Hope the others jump on the bandwagon!
      I think we are going to see the unions getting very scared, just lke the left is with Palin.
      HOORAH for Walker!!

      Report Post » ILUVAMERICA  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:59am

    Alison Port needs to take her blankey and go back to her dorm (and her parents need to cut off her funds). She is part of the “extreme” problem, showing up because her prof told her to (probably giving extra credit for it). Figure out a formula, hand out what is left in the coffers to the workers and when it’s gone, it’s gone. The ponzi scheme isn’t going to work for the younger workers anyway if it is broke. I guess they don’t teach the old adage “Can‘t make silk out of a sow’s ear” anymore.

    Report Post »  
    • anunyapete
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:23am

      Grandma — You are absolutely correct.

      Isn’t it interesting that Allison is refering to “rights” being taken away…??? I guess it is her “right” to have the government spend other people’s money, which those people don’t even have, to pay her professor to teach her.

      I’ve been following your posts for a while now (on various other stories) and you strike me as someone firmly grounded in common sense.

      Report Post »  
    • flintoid
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:01am

      A new generation of hippies at Madison. God help us.

      Report Post »  
  • Tomr
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:57am

    Ihope t he NFL dispute gets resolved. I don’t want to think of a fall without football.

    Report Post »  
    • weeblewacker1
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:42am

      but,but, they have a union!!! they must be part of soros and code pink! and talk about a group of islamic radicals!!!! so why in the world would you even watch a football game? you are just supporting their “MASTER PLAN.”

      Report Post »  
    • Tomr
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:30am

      @weeblewacker1

      I hate unions, code pink, soros and the rest of the neocommies, but not as much as I love football.

      Report Post »  
  • Rice Water
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:57am

    So…Union members are all Islamic Fundamentalists then?

    Report Post » Rice Water  
    • exdem
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:30am

      I say YES!!!!!! they are practically twins!

      Report Post »  
    • Katayno
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:16am

      They sure take pages out of the same play book.

      Report Post »  
    • tvr54
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:30am

      I couldn’t agree more.

      Report Post » tvr54  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:56am

    Time for all the lefty trolls to tell us how crazy Beck is. Oh, and pay no attention to the fact that the things he’s saying are true.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • rfycom
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:32am

      Gonzo I am not a lefty but I am going to tell you something that should make a lot of sense to you. Beck is not telling you what is going to happen, he is leading you there baby doll. Keep drinking that Jim Jones kool-aide.

      Report Post »  
    • weeblewacker1
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:38am

      ok archie!! beck is crazy…how crazy is he?…he is soo crazy he thinks unions are a commie plot,even though it was a union that realy started the downfall of the communist state in europe,i.e.-poland and a little ship building union called “solidarity” hmmmm,i would say go google it,but crazy glenn thinks they are now part of THE MASTER PLAN!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:31am

      @RFYCOM
      I dont think your post made any sense to GONZO or anyone else. Glenn is like JIM JONES?? How?
      The only thing Glenn has led me to is research and with that has come a greater understanding of my country, other countries, politics and myself. I have learned all about Progressives and their mindset and fled my political party that has been infiltrated by these unAmerican goals and ideals. I wonder how many democrats this administration has turned into independants and conservatives? You and your like minded friends have come out and awakened America and you scare us. We dont want to be like you and will never agree with your views. We believe in the Constitution and want the President to honor and uphold it. We are blessed and proud to be born in America. The only good thing the progressive movement has produced in this country is THE TEA PARTY. The more the media pushes the “lean forward” agenda the bigger the TEA party grows.

      Report Post »  
    • KenInIL
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:55am

      Did we hear that the Green Bay Packers are volunteering to chip in and fill the state budget gap so the teachers can retain all their bennys? Maybe the student protesters will sign a pledge to give 35% of future earning to the teacher pension plan – for the next 50 years.

      Report Post »  
    • quantum maiden
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:03pm

      A better analogy for using Jim Jones and drinking kool-aid is the people blindly following the
      union bosses and the children being dragged to the protests by their teachers.
      Having students go protest for classroom credit is as unethical as it is for a psychiatrist to have sexual relations with a client. Our schools and colleges are producing lemmings who are unable to do any
      critical thinking.

      Report Post »  
  • Fina_Biscotti
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:54am

    I heard the Governor is calling out the National Guard.

    Unions are ORGANIZED CRIME SYNDICATES.

    The absenteeism of teachers and students that caused the canceling of classes…..should also be addressed.

    Calling in sick – LYING to attend a protest set up by their union – is another example why UNIONS should be disbanded.

    I hope that school system demands a note from everyone’s doctor – for their “sick” call.

    Report Post »  
    • SheriS
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:36am

      Education has gone downhill since the unions infiltrated the education system–if you want your children educated, get them out of the public schools! This downfall began in 1974 when the union began the takeover of your children’s education from Kindergarten to Graduate School! I predicted it then, quit teaching because I had seen it in ever other profession where the unions were in control! I couldn’t predict how bad things would get as we have become the laughting stock for the world! From the best to one of the worst is something every American should be deeply concerned about!

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:01am

      @Biscotti
      I agree! The unions are organized crime and their crime boss Andy Stern has a warm cozy seat in this administration ( CRIME INC.). The media spins this to favor the unions while portraying the TEA Party as violent ,racist and out of control. Could you imagine if the National Guard had to be called in for a TEA Party event. It would be the major news story 24/7. The lame stream would probably break into regular programing to inform all viewers of the danger of the TEA party. But this story is getting only positive reporting on the side of the Unions despite having to call in the guard..

      Report Post »  
  • Ironmaan
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:54am

    Sorry, but you teachers don’t deserve a raise. You are producing an inferior product as is evidenced by the test scores when compared to other countries. Not only do you not deserve a raise you, many of you deserve to be fired.
    http://guerillatics.com

    Report Post »  
    • sweet37
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:04am

      Well put IRONMANN!!

      Report Post »  
    • icareabouttheusa
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:29am

      Amen Ironmaan!! Eliminate tenure now!

      Report Post »  
    • Katayno
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:08am

      DItto. That is WHY we need chartered schools….they operate at 1/2 the cost to the tax payers and do a better job. Rotten teachers can be fired, the class rooms are smaller, trouble makers can be forced back into the public schools…..The teachers UNION is a big monopoly and need to be broken!!!

      Report Post »  
    • rfycom
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:10am

      IRON BRAIN, it’s not all the teachers fault.

      Report Post »  
    • weeblewacker1
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:31am

      just like any job,there are always a few bad employees you don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. if its such a easy,cushy job,how come there is never enof of them to go around?

      Report Post »  
    • weeblewacker1
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:44am

      mybe its not the teachers that are making a “inferior product” its more like a lot of so-called parents are!

      Report Post »  
    • NUTHRDUMBCONSERVATIVE
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:05am

      In most states the cost of education is 8K-12K per student. With an average class size of 25, that is 200K-300K per classroom. I know I was taught math in a public school, but, I think that either there is way to much administration or the teachers are overpaid when you account for their benefits.

      Report Post »  
    • davis51
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:52am

      Right on!

      Report Post » davis51  
    • RKade
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:11pm

      For those who claim to be intelligent enough to teach the children of America, you are certainly Mind-Numbed-Idiots. Use the minds you claim to have, look around America is in trouble it has over committed. Your unions failed you, they promised you lies, BUT who got rich? Did you? The lies have been brought to light. Don’t look to the the state or country for relief – turn around look at the “FAT CATS” the ones who have put you in the streets They They are the ones you should protest the ones who lied. They are the ones to take down. NOT your fellow citizens!

      (Home Schooling keeps looking better and better.)

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 3:53pm

      # This is RIGHT ON and needed to be repeated. The Union doesn’t care about students.
      #
      Katayno
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:08am

      DItto. That is WHY we need chartered schools….they operate at 1/2 the cost to the tax payers and do a better job. Rotten teachers can be fired, the class rooms are smaller, trouble makers can be forced back into the public schools…..The teachers UNION is a big monopoly and need to be broken!!!

      Report Post »  
  • smithclar3nc3
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:52am

    Employers of the world unite!

    Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:05am

      .
      Fire the whole lot and start the hiring process. How hard is that?

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:06am

      EVERY DAY, Glenn is being proven right! It’s a beautiful thing, truth… Hopefully Gov. Walker will hold fast. Pull-off a “Reagan” on those Union pimps.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:12am

      This is the first of many battles that will be taking place this year with the unions. The unions don’t believe in teamwork in any way, shape, or form. The unions motto is the hell with everyone else, give me mine. Then they disguise it as protecting families. This will be a very busy year when it comes to dealing with the unions.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the union tactics video

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • Miguelito
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:21am

      Do the American workers really want to unite with the world workers are is it the dishonest union leaders? American union workers, how much of your dues are going outside this country?

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:26am

      Did you see Special Ed pop a blood vessel over this last nite. He is inciting violence against Republican governors and senators and using his show on MSNBC to do it. How he gets away with it I’ll never know.
      He is all about entittlements no matter what the cost. Its better to have a job and take a cut than no job. Hard times require hard measures and I’m sick of the whiners that want everything handed to them at the expense of us all.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:26am

      Monkey those ungrateful workers can switch places with those unemployed who would love to have a job. There would be a minor adjustment when retraining but a strong lesson would be sent to leeches like Andy Stern.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:33am

      Employees of the world unite indeed; and by the way, we your manipulators will just sit back and be the real powerholders while you bring down the old system for us and we become the new tyranny on the world stage…sound familiar, and along the lines of what we have been warned about?

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • weeblewacker1
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 3:46pm

      wow!!! who is so scared of my posts that they always get “taken down” you people are more paranoid than even i ever thought!!!! that damn true hurts don’t it!!! and you people sure cant take it! even that progressive site huff-post doesn’t censor like this place does!! every time i put up evidence of B.S. it gets took down. braaac,braaaaac.damn chickin ships.

      Report Post »  
    • weeblewacker1
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 3:55pm

      oh i get it,somebody can say this to me,but when i respond,my post gets takin off.”I know that you only want to accomplish the bare minimum at your job and steal what you think you deserve from those who have worked a lot harder.” @NUTHRDUMBCONSERVATIVE: whats the matter?? a little of the trueth get on you? waaaaaaaaaaa, i can’t handle the trueth.

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:50am

    .
    Just Fire their behinds and get it over with. Start the hiring process and get some folks that can teach. How hard is that?

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • weeblewacker1
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:25am

      well,i am not a real big fan of unions, don’t you think most teachers should make a living wage? it is not a “easy” job.go ahead and fire all of them,see what you get in return.

      Report Post »  
    • SmokinBugsy
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:36am

      @weeble–I agree it’s not an “easy job”, but no job is. Plus what other job do you get the summer off, weekends off, holidays off and every other day off? I know 5 teachers and everyone of them makes more than I do. So don‘t give me the old line they don’t get paid enough. You get anyone of the 5 by themselves and they agree that have it pretty good! But like every other union worker, you get them together and they will bitch and bitch how bad they have it!

      Report Post »  
    • Class2000Generation
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:39am

      @ Weeblewacker

      I believe the average yearly income for teachers aides alone is close to $30K. Yes, living in Madison doesn‘t cost the same as living in a smaller WI town but it sure isn’t as costly as living in NYC. That $30K and having the summer off seems like a good deal to me. Beats what I make per year.

      Report Post » Class2000Generation  
    • jonaf
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:44am

      I understand that union workers have a contract, and with that expectations. But do they ever stop and look at their arrangement versus the normal private sector arrangement? It‘s almost as if they don’t realize that many union workers have left union jobs and gone on to have normal productive lives in the private sector. These people won’t necessarily lose their jobs – just the union.

      Jon
      http://gutfeelingbook.com/2011/01/17/its-not-union-workers-its-the-unions/

      Report Post »  
    • NUTHRDUMBCONSERVATIVE
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:53am

      @WEEBLEWACKER
      If they were not smart enough to figure out what the wages were before they entered the career, the last thing we need is to have them teaching our children to think. I know that you only want to accomplish the bare minimum at your job and steal what you think you deserve from those who have worked a lot harder. If they are actually smart enough to get hired on merit, they would get their jobs back when the unions are kicked out. The only reason the unions bargained for this system is so that they can demand anything they want because the only way to say no is to fire everyone. It is time to say no.
      My summary of the intelligent thought process of the unions is: “The management is so stupid they can’t run this organization, with them in charge we are wasting so much money we are guaranteed to go bankrupt and if they pay us more we will stay.” The amazing thing is that no union worker can see that is illogical.

       
    • StrangernFiction
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:35pm

      @Weeblewhacker1

      That’s some kind of threat there Weeb. Sort of like Obama saying, hey you conservatives if you try to interfere with my efforts to bankrupt the country I’m going to shut Fedzilla down.

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:48am

    .
    Bunch of spoiled Cheeseheads…………

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:35am

      This isn’t just limited to WI. Once this is done it will sweep the nation, hopefully it will transcend into the Federal government too, like the TSA. Go Gov. Walker.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:40am

      If the Gov. takes a stand and demands all union workers accept his term or lose their jobs it will send a message to all the other states and their bloated unions.

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:52am

      afscme council 4 in Ct is planning day of rage protests also. workers of the world unite. the media attacked Glenn a short while back for saying this, but it seems to be happening.

      Report Post »  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:54am

      This is exactly why programs designed to get large numbers of people suckling at the teat of the government hardly ever end. We have no money (who cares don’t take away my right to get more !!!!) We have no money (Hey this isn’t fair stop it). We have no money (That‘s it I’m calling in sick, that will teach those kids…I mean politicians). We have no money (I don’t care about anyone else and their problems except my own). We have no money (just raise taxes on the other private slags). These people are no different than the greed that is derided on Wall street because they don’t care who gets screwed as long as they get theirs !!!!!!

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:57am

      If we could change election day to April 15th, we would never have to worry about democrats, liberals or progressives ever again, especially if we had to write a check every year for taxes.

      Report Post »  
    • IntheKnowOG
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:58am

      So their idea of a spokesperson is a 19 year old student who does not work? No pity from the rest of us in the private sector. I see a bad moon risin’…..

      Report Post » IntheKnowOG  
    • rodamaa
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:05am

      Nope, it is–bottom up, top down, inside out–strategy of the Left plain and simple

      Report Post »  
    • RedHarley
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:06am

      Ohio will be next. Newly elected Gov. John Kasich is doing the same thing. I was a member of a public employee union for 27 years before I saw the light in 2003. I got out, stayed out and tried to make other members see what the union was doing with their money. I support this move. We cannot keep going with the status quo when it comes to public employee unions. The State of Ohio faces an $8 billion deficit, and this cannot be kicked down the road any longer. The time is NOW.

      Report Post » RedHarley  
    • RedHarley
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:14am

      Speaking of unions and the dems that are in bed with them:

      http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_722920.html

      From the Story: First…..“Allegheny County Council declared a Rankin steel plant a ”sweatshop” Tuesday night, the culmination of an 18-month union campaign against W&K Steel LLC.

      And second: Council members said they were acting on accusations of low pay and unsafe working conditions.

      So on ACCUSATIONS the council made this decision. Quite a new standard we are setting……..

      Report Post » RedHarley  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:16am

      Spoiled does not begin to describe it, there is now the danger of the unions striking out against the governments on state and federal levels; thus the ‘day of rage’ the administration wants is on the edge of happening, and can allow them to crack down even farther – the fulfillment of Van Jones and his top down, bottom up, and inside out coming to fruition.

      We all need to watch and warn, and be ready for all heck to break loose if these protests and such do turn violent; I pray to the Almighty that peace is maintained, and stability and sanity along with it.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:34am

      Alison Porte must be so proud of her public school education. She as thick as a brick. “Crappy” is a succinct way of one expressing oneself in a battle of ideas.

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • Class2000Generation
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:35am

      @ Spankdamonkey

      As a proud Wisconsinite – I commend Governor Walker. This is why he won our vote. What upsets me is when these students start protesting over things they don’t seem to really understand. If they have been on their own for awhile and have mortgages, insurance, childcare, educational (etc) expenses to be responsible for, they‘d understand why we’re fed up with the fat cats in the unions.
      And I’m quite disgusted with the few Packer players who got involved… you make millions, stay out of my barely middle class life.

      Report Post » Class2000Generation  
    • ixmfourxi
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:37am

      This is so pathetic, The Gov. is making a good decision, and the unions know they can bus people from everywhere to protest. The union members are nothing but a bunch of ponys at a show.. no brains just there.

      Report Post » ixmfourxi  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:37am

      And their children shall turn on them and kill them just as their master, Satan, dictates.
      Don’t know the source. Just remember reading it. It is about to happen.

      Report Post »  
    • jonaf
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:45am

      Is it possible for one to be a conservative union member and still fight for your union? I have two firefighter friends who are both conservative 99% of the time who are both protesting in WI because of the attack on unions. How does one navigate those two stances?

      Jon
      I understand that union workers have a contract, and with that expectations. But do they ever stop and look at their arrangement versus the normal private sector arrangement? It‘s almost as if they don’t realize that many union workers have left union jobs and gone on to have normal productive lives in the private sector. These people won’t necessarily lose their jobs – just the union.

      Jon
      http://gutfeelingbook.com/2011/01/17/its-not-union-workers-its-the-unions/

      Report Post »  
    • Xcori8r
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:48am

      As Mitch Daniels has said: “You never realize how much government you don’t miss”. after he de-authorized Indiana’s government unions.

      Report Post » Xcori8r  
    • Class2000Generation
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:54am

      @ JonaF

      “… end collective bargaining for all state, county and local workers EXCEPT for police, firefighters and the state patrol.”

      Report Post » Class2000Generation  
    • getalong
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:04am

      Trumpka must be so proud!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:15am

      The citizens of Wisconsin should take this protest personally because in essence these public employees are protesting against the taxpayers. The good thing about Walker is, if he says he will do something, he will.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • nothingbuthetruth
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:30am

      please dont back down Gov Walker….We need more like you and Gov. Christy

      Report Post »  
    • dr_funk
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:37am

      Good! Shut ‘em down! I’m tired of collective wage-gouging. Its making my life all too difficult.

      Report Post »  
    • thevamprn
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:59am

      So, we citizens who are not in a puplic employee union should be scammed by union pension ponzi schemes because their collective union rights are being trampled on. What about our rights as citizens not to have our pockets picked by collaberating politicians and union officials?

      Report Post »  
    • Grylls81
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:23pm

      Yes, the world is going to be over run by a bunch of progressive cheeseheads. To bad Beck isn’t from WI than I could dislike that state even more.

      Report Post »  
    • dabbo
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:34pm

      I hope these lawmakers do not cave in….it is right and proper for these people to contribute to their healthcare and pension systems…..everybody else in the country does.

      The teachers union has destroyed public education …these people want to be treated like professionals but they’re really just a bunch of lazy union thugs.

      Report Post »  
    • UlyssesP
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:04pm

      Fine, you’re supposed to vote for Governor, but no, you can’t wait. You want it now. You think he is after your rights. You can’t put up a candidate and wait your turn. Go to hell progressive trash. What you reap you shall sow. Your sudden emotional out burst is going to open the door to your own demise.

      Report Post » UlyssesP  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:33pm

      What a selfish bunch of dumb-bell teachers. First off, 1/3 of you aren‘t worth your pay and you aren’t really teaching our children. The 2nd is: the crying for: “It’s for the Children” is a bunch of bunk. You really don’t give a dam about the children. If you really cared, you‘d help out your state for a year or two to get it back on it’s feet and get the budget balanced. But NO, you selfish bunch of has-been’s are only interested in yourselves. You don’t care that many others may LOSE their jobs because you are unwilling to help out. I’m gonna wish you people, you selfish people that you get
      exactly what you deserve, and I hope it ain’t pretty. You selfish bunch of losers

      Report Post »  
1 2 3 ... 5

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love