Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Help GOTV for Working Families!

Click here for a full list of times, locations and ways to help get out the vote for Wisconsin working families.  We need politicians who will listen to the people not corporate special interests.

Walker Forced to Stop Using Union Image by Legal Threat

Gov. Walker continues to show that he believes himself to be above the law.  On his "Governor Walker, Public Figure” Face Book page Walker proudly displays the AFL-CIO logo in an attempt to trick the public into thinking that the AFL-CIO has endorsed his extreme anti-worker policies. 

That is not only disrespect, it is illegal, fraudulent, deceitful, inappropriate, double-dealing, tricky, misleading, deceptive and wrong.  It also shows poor judgment from our Governor. 

Today the Governor was delivered a letter from Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold, PLLC law office to immediately “cease and desist from any and all unauthorized uses of the AFL-CIO name and marks.”

Click here to view a copy of the letter.

The letter states:

The AFL-CIO wants to make it very clear that it in no way endorses or supports Governor Walker. In addition, the AFL-CIO certainly does not endorse or support your unauthorized use of the AFL-CIO’s name or any of its marks. This letter is to demand that you, Governor Walker, and those acting on your behalf, must immediately cease and desist from any and all unauthorized uses of the AFL-CIO name and marks, or risk legal action.

Click here to see the image as the 'picture of the day' in the Atlantic.

Educators Asked to Leave Walker Press Conference on Education?!

Stan Johnson, Sid Hatch and Mike Langyel were surprised when they were asked by Governor Walker staff representatives and the Milwaukee police department’s professional performance division to leave a press conference this afternoon on education reform

"I wanted to hear first hand what the Governor had in plan for education reform since these changes will directly affect the Milwaukee teachers,” said Stan Johnson, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association.  “We heard there was going to be an announcement about education; we wanted to be able to understand the details of that plan so we went to the conference, only to be asked to leave by one of Walker’s staff and the Milwaukee police."

Dozens of community members protested outside of Hope Christian School in Milwaukee today. All had gathered to participate in the press conference to learn more about education reform but were denied that right.

“The Governor is giving a press conference on education yet he won’t let any educators in, said Mike Langyel President of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association.  “It just doesn’t make sense.  One of the values of Wisconsin is openness from our elected officials and letting constituents take part in democracy.  Today, that right was denied.” 

It appears that Governor Walker is trying to take away the right of the people to participate in their democracy in order to push through his corporate agenda without any witnesses. 

Update: Judge rules (3x) anti-worker law NOT in effect

Today the court of law ruled, for the third time, that the collective bargaining law stripping hard-working Wisconsinites of their voice on the job has not been published and is therefore not in effect.

At 8:15 am this morning, March 31st, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi cleared up any confusion over the bill harming Wisconsin workers by signing an order declaring that Wisconsin Act 10 "has not been published...and is therefore not in effect." 

To read the order click here. 

On Monday, Walker's Department of Administration (DOA) bullishly and illegally forged ahead by implementing provisions of the bill despite pending legal hearings and a temporary restraining order against the publishing of the bill.  The Administration deviously went around normal procedures in order to advance their unpopular agenda.

On Tuesday, a hearing was held where Judge Sumi made it clear that anyone who went ahead with Wisconsin Act 10 would face sanctions and be in contempt of court.

“From the beginning this bill has been pushed onto the people of Wisconsin through backdoor maneuvers, illegal meetings and late night actions.  Governor Walker is trying to run around democracy to advance his agenda,”  said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “We hope that today’s ruling clears any confusion and that the Governor and the Department of Administration will respect the process of the courts.  Any day when Wisconsin workers have a voice on the job is a good day for Wisconsin families.”    

According to The Associated Press, two officials in Gov. Scott Walker's administration say preparations to implement the law have been put on hold.

To follow the breaking coverage in the Wisconsin State Journal click here.

For Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coverage click here.

We Are One.

On April 4th, working families, people of faith, civil and human rights activists, students and other progressive allies will host a range of community- and workplace-focused actions, including rallies, teach-ins, vigils and forums throughout the United States.  The theme for these events:  We Are One.  Below is a list of some of the actions taking place in Wisconsin.

Appleton, 4:30 pm, Houdini Plaza, early vote rally and GOTV

Beloit, 3:00-5:00 pm, City hall- meet on sidewalk, 100 State Street, Early Vote Rally and GOTV

DePere, noon, Early Vote Rally, 335 S. Broadway

Eau Claire, 10:00 am, Eau Claire Senior Center, Senior's Town Hall

Eau Claire, noon, Eau Claire City Hall, Early Vote Rally

Eau Claire, 7:00pm, DeLong Middle School , 2000 Vine Street – Eau Claire performance

Fond du Lac, 4:00 pm, Veteran's Park - Corner of Court and Main (Across the Street from City/County Building), early vote rally and GOTV

Green Bay, noon, early vote rally, 100 North Jefferson Street

Green Bay, 6:30-8 pm, Divine Temple, Song, candlelight vigil and March

Janesville, 3:00-5:00 pm, Janesville Municipal Building- meet on sidewalk 18 North Jackson Street, early vote rally and GOTV

Janesville, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 6004 Prairie Ave, Screening of At the River I Stand

Kaukauna, noon, Early Vote Rally, 201 W. Second Street

Kenosha, 3:00-5:00 pm, 625 52nd Street- meet across the street from city hall Kenosha, early vote rally and GOTV

La Crosse, Rally and GOTV, corner of Cook and 7th Street

La Crosse, 5:00 pm, rally, Green Island Park, 2312 7^th Ave, Workers Memorial Monument

Madison, 6:30am, Downtown Area, Worksite flyers

Madison, 12 noon, City County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., early vote rally and GOTV

Madison, 5:00 pm, Poor People’s March, meet at Madison City Hall

Madison, 5:00-8:00 pm, State Street steps of Capitol “From Memphis to Madison Rally” Madison, 5:00-8:00 pm, Candlelight Vigil, MLK Blvd. between Capitol and Monona Terrace

On Sunday, April 3rd in Madison, 2:00 – 3:45 pm, Been to the Mountaintop:  Striking a Chord for Justice, afternoon of community, song, and reflection, State Capitol

Milwaukee, 3:30-6:01 pm, MLK Statue on MLK drive, march and rally with a moment of silence at 6:01 pm

Menomonie, noon, Wilson Park, 8th St E & Wilson, early vote rally and GOTV

Menomonie, 7:00 pm, Wilson Park, candlelight vigil and march for workers ending at UW-Stout campus.

Oconto Falls, noon, Early Vote Rally, 500 N Chestnut St

Oshkosh, 4:00 pm, Courthouse, 415 Jackson St. (Down the street from City Hall), early vote rally and GOTV activities

Oshkosh, 8:00 pm, movie showing and discussion, New Moon Café (tentative) 

Platteville, UW-Platteville Campus, Teach-in and Movie

Racine, 3:00-5:00 pm, City Hall, 730 Washington Ave. early vote rally and GOTV

Rice Lake, 6:00-8:00 pm, Community Forum, Rice Lake Public Library,

River Falls, noon, University Center on the UW-RF campus, early vote really and GOTV

*Ripon, early vote rally and GOTV, location and time TBD

Shawano, noon, early vote rally. 127 South Sawyer St.

 Sheboygan, 7:00-8:00 pm, Prayer Vigil and March, Fountain Park

*Stevens Point, Early Vote Rally, GOTV, TBD location and time

*Wausau, early vote really and GOTV, TBD location and time

 

Be sure to click here for more Wisconsin We Are One Events.  To learn more about the national We Are One day of action click here.

Judge Blocks Bill (again)

On Monday, Gov. Scott Walker’s administration began enforcing a bill that is not yet law, with complete disregard for Wisconsin’s judicial and democratic processes, and in direct defiance of multiple orders not to do so.  Today, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi said the actions of Walker and his cronies put them “in peril of sanctions” and served to “jeopardize stability of [the] state.” 

Sumi ruled that the temporary restraining order is still in effect and barred any and all implementation of the bill harming Wisconsin families.

The court room was full of twist and turns as Secretary of State Doug La Follette was given the right to independent counsel and it was revealed that the Legislative Reference Bureau was pressured into publishing the law by Sen. Fitzgerald.  Testimony will resume Friday when the hearing is scheduled to conclude. 

“Gov. Walker seems to think he’s a dictator who can ignore the laws of Wisconsin or trample of the rights of our workers in pursuit of his extreme overreach for absolute power,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “By attempting to unilaterally publish a bill and implement it as law in the face of a court order to the contrary shows Walker and his cronies completely unfit to govern the state of Wisconsin.” 

"Wisconsin working families hope that Scott Walker and his Republican allies in the legislature will finally begin to respect our state’s judicial process and reverse any damage they’ve done to the working families of our state," said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  "Wisconsinites expect their Governor and his administration to follow the law, and the fact that’s even up for debate shows their actions to be completely reprehensible.” 

 

The Rally in the Valley

On Saturday March 26th thousands rallied in Neenah, Wisconsin to stand together against Gov. Walker and Sen. Republican’s extreme attack on Wisconsin's families.  On Day 41, The Rally was brought to The Valley as the energy from Madison transferred to the Fox Cities.   

Union workers, non-union workers, students and activists were joined by mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, veterans and concerned citizens to raise their voice against Gov. Walker’s plans for our state.  Plans that would limit the rights of workers, deprive our communities of needed services, harm our children’s education and hurt our state’s most vulnerable citizens.

“We are here today to stand up against Gov. Walker’s extreme power grab,” said Corey Otis, Appleton School Teacher and WEAC Fox Valley President.  “How can you publish language late at night when everyone else is sleeping just to get your way?  That is not democracy.  This rally, today, this is democracy and today the fight continues.  We have a lot of work ahead of us but we are energized, we are speaking out, we are informing our neighbors, and we will take our government back this summer.” 

Mark Westphal President of the Fox Valley Labor Council called Gov. Walker’s tactics “downright shameful.  He is putting corporate interests above the interests of teachers, nurses, fire fighters, and everyday working people and it is not right.” 

Oshkosh Rep. Gordon Hintz also addressed that crowd explaining “when you go after rights, when you attack everyday people, they will stand up and fight back.”

“Now is our time” explained Mike Bolton, USW District 2 Director.  “Now is our time to stand up.  Now is our time to fight back.  What’s happening here is not the progressive Wisconsin I know and love; the Wisconsin whose motto is forward.  It is time to take our state back.  I ask everyone to join me in the streets as we knock on however many doors it takes to reclaim our state.” 

“We are making history for union workers, we are making history for non-union workers and we are making history for America’s middle class,” exclaimed Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “We will continue to fight for our rights as workers and for our rights as the working class.  The world is watching and we are showing the world that we will not be silenced, we will not give up, and we will not go away.” 

For video of Saturday's rally click here.

For photos from Neenah click here.

Walker's Illegal Attacks on Working Families Continue

It was not enough that Scott Walker attempted to pass his attacks on Wisconsin working families in the dead of the night,  in an illegal meeting, with the doors locked.  Once the courts told him that he could not publish his bill, he decided to take the law into his own hands by circumventing the judicial process, ignoring the Temporary Restraining Order -- which barred the publishing of the bill, and push through his plans anyway.  In a blatant show of disrespect for the law our Governor continued his overreach.

“This is not the Wisconsin I know,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “Once again Scott Walker and his Republican majority have used illegal backdoor maneuvers to ram through a deeply unpopular bill attacking Wisconsin families.  This is a dark day for Wisconsin and a travesty to our democracy.  Scott Walker is making up his own rules and ignoring long established democratic and judicial processes.  He is ignoring the principles that we hold dear to our hearts in Wisconsin and in America.”

“To ram through a bill attacking workers on the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire is a tragedy” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “Clearly Scott Walker wants to roll back worker rights to a time where Triangle like conditions were rampant and will use any means necessary to achieve his agenda.” 

BMO Supports Collective Bargaining Rights yet Bankrolled Walker

Last Tuesday, Wisconsin workers traveled to Montreal, Canada for the Bank of Montreal shareholders meeting in order to protest the large bonuses M&I Bank executives are receiving in the deal. 

 

When questioned by WEAC’s Betsy Kipper  and Jim Sinclair of the B.C. Federation of Labor, a BMO executive admitted that the bonuses were ‘large and unreasonable’. 

 

David A. Galloway Chairman of the Board of the BMO also revealed at the meeting that he supports collective bargaining (see video above).

 

Milwaukee News Buzz covered the story, Growing controversy over M&I golden parachutes.

 

As well as the Milwaukee Business Journal, BMO chairman: M&I parachutes 'large'.

 

And The Cap Times, M&I's gilded parachutes.

Scott Walker’s Attacks on Working Families will roll worker protection back 100 years

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist  Factory Fire.  In this tragedy 146 workers, mostly immigrant women and children, lost their life.  The only reason -- they showed up to work.

In order to increase profits, the owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory locked the workers inside the factory, trapping them to their death.  This moment in history reminds us of the important role unions play in society – ensuring safe and humane working conditions for all. 

“Today we are facing our own tragedy in Wisconsin,” explained Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.    “Scott Walker is attempting to roll back 100 years of worker protections and strip Wisconsinites of their voice on the job.  Gov. Walker wants to take us back to a time when the Triangle Shirtwaist factory conditions were common.  To a time when there were no worker protections.  Thankfully, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites are standing up across the state to oppose his radical agenda.” 

Despite the enormous progress that has been made in the 100 years since the Triangle fire -- many of the issues raised persist in the workplace.  Issues such as worker safety, treatment of women and immigrant workers and, as we have seen for weeks in Wisconsin, the right to collectively bargain.

“The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire showed what can happen when employers refuse to work with unions,” says Chad Goldberg, vice president of United Faculty & Academic Staff (UFAS), AFT Local 223 which represents staff at UW-Madison and UW-Extension. “Walker is turning the clock back in Wisconsin, refusing to work with unions or allow public employees to bargain over working conditions.” 

A hundred years ago the Triangle spurred a rebirth in the labor movement.  Today, Gov. Walker and Sen. Republican attacks are inspiring a similar rebirth in the fight for worker rights. 

“The Triangle fire led to the growth of the garment workers’ union and the strengthening of fire, health, and labor regulations.” continues Goldberg. “Today in Wisconsin, we’re seeing the same kind of public mobilization to defend workers’ rights and the public services on which working families depend.”

Click to view "TRIANGLE'S ECHOES: The Unfinished Struggle for Worker Protection, Safety and Health."