Labor & Employment Law

With No ?SHAME,? Republicans Ram Walker?s Bill Through Assembly

By Mike Hall

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin State Assembly early this morning unexpectedly cut off debate and quick-marched a vote on Gov. Scott Walker?s (R) bill to eliminate the right of public service workers to bargain for middle-class jobs

The bill passed 51-17 with 28 lawmakers?all Democrats, three Republicans and an independent?abstaining in protest. The bill still must pass the state Senate and Wisconsin workers continue their fight against the bill.

There were still more than 15 speakers still scheduled to speak out against the attack on workers and more amendments poised for votes. But according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Republican leaders invoked rarely used rule to end the debate before voting on the bill.

That rule requires a motion seconded by 15 members and then a roll call vote. Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller said afterward he was not sure whether that had occurred, saying he had heard the order to start a vote on the final passage of the bill and had done so.

Later Rep. Kelda Helen Roys (D-Madison) said, “We never imagined they would do it as they did, not even properly using the nuclear option.”

After the rapid fire vote, Democratic Assembly members begin a chant of ?Shame! Shame! Shame!? that was quickly picked up the legions Wisconsin workers in the packed  Assembly gallery. Teachers, nurses, state parks workers and other public employees and their supporters have been in Madison for nearly two-weeks in a historic protest against Walker?s assault on good jobs.

Republican lawmakers immediately left the chamber without comment.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca called the action

a sad day for day for this state when we are willing to ignore the traditions that people died for in this state, that people fought bitterly for.,we ignore our forefathers who made this a great state.

The bill still must pass the state Senate and Wisconsin workers continue their fight against the bill. Also hundreds of solidarity rallies are on tap across the country this weekend and we?ll bring you more on these later today.

Here?s a sample of some comments from workers and their backers following the vote.

Milkman57 PEOPLE we need to keep up the fight. This includes protests, social media, written media, and even water cooler talk. #wiunion

brokebroken RT @AndrewKroll …suddenly cut off debate & demanded a vote…voting window was opened for just a few seconds http://bit.ly/f59atO #wiunion

kallou22 10:14am via web

JLModer2 RT @pmkleppin: If the republicans felt so strongly about their vote, why did they run from media afterward? No spokesperson left behind! #wiunion

mardigrasNOLA RT @KnorthernKnight: Business and economists say US will need better-educated workers for the future. GOP response? Attack and fire teachers. #WIunion #RI #OH

RT @BorowitzReport: #WISCONSIN: Next up for Gov. Walker: taking away the Assembly’s right to assemble. #WIunion

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on February 25, 2011 (boomark / email).