Wisconsin unions are working to stop a proposal from Governor Scott Walker that would end collective bargaining rights for all public employees except police, firefighters and the state patrol. Wages could be bargained only to a point, and workers would pay half of their pensions and more than 12% of health care premiums. The plan amounts to an average pay cut of 8%. Walker says that the plan in necessary to combat a budget shortfall of around $137 million, and that if the plan does not pass he will have to lay off 1,500 workers. Workers protested this weekend at the Capitol and governor's mansion, as well as at the homes of some legislators. The unions say that the plan is an attack on workers and the middle class. The Wisconsin Legislature may vote on the proposal as early as Thursday.
See "Unions fighting back against Walker proposal", Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, February 13, 2011