Hi Mercer, believe you're the lady from Wisconsin.  I can see why the unions are upset -- they can't force employees to pay dues (ha! ha!).  And unions contribute big monies to Democrats.

Did you know Indiana's governor, Mitch Daniels, did the very same thing back in 2004/5.  He rescinded collective bargaining rights for state employees 6 years ago.  He subsequently turned a state deficit into a surplus of approx. $800 million.  Maybe he'll run for president; his term ends soon.  He has suggested ending social security for wealthier Americans.  (And so does former Mn guv, Tim Pawlenty.)

Wisconsin Assembly passes bill taking away union rights.

WHAT THE BILL WOULD DO:  Source: Associated Press and Reuters

1) Eliminate collective bargaining rights for most public workers. So while unions still could represent those workers, they would not be able to seek pay increases above those pegged to the Consumer Price Index unless approved by a public referendum.  A GOOD THING!

2) Unions also could not force employees to pay dues and would have to hold annual votes to stay organized.  A GOOD THING!

3) Local police, firefighters and state troopers would retain their collective bargaining rights. A GOOD THING!

4) Public workers would have to pay half the costs of their pensions and at least 12.6 percent of their health care coverage. That represents an average of 8 percent increase in state employees' share of pension and health care costs.  ACCORDING TO KRAUTHAMMER (2.25.11), THEY PAY 1/4 OF WHAT PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES PAY.

In exchange, public employees were promised no furloughs or layoffs.  A GOOD THING!  Gov. Scott Walker has threatened to lay off up to 6,000 state workers if the measure does not pass.

Estimated savings
$30 million by July 1 and $300 million over the next two years to address a Republican-projected $3.6 billion budget shortfall.

Background
The proposal marks a dramatic shift for Wisconsin, which in 1959 was the first to pass a comprehensive collective bargaining law for public employees and was the birthplace of the national union representing all non-federal public employees.

When voters last year elected Gov. Walker, an outspoken conservative, along with GOP majorities in both legislative chambers, it set the stage for a dramatic reversal of the state's labor history.

National significance
New Republican governors and legislatures in other states have proposed cutting back on public employee costs to reduce budget shortfalls, but Wisconsin's move appears to be the earliest and most extensive.

Source: Associated Press and Reuters