Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Walker Compares Workers to ISIS. Demand an Apology Now.

While on the campaign trail at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington D.C, Gov. Walker compared the hundreds of thousands of peaceful protestors in Wisconsin to the terrorist organization ISIS.

When asked about how he would combat the ISIS terrorist organization, Gov. Walker responded: ‘If I can take on the 100,000 of protestors, I can do the same across the world.”

Can you believe he said that? Let’s show him what real democracy is.  Come to the Capitol at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28. 

Let’s be clear: to compare Wisconsin citizens who are peacefully disagreeing with your policies to a terrorist organization known for gruesome beheadings is reprehensible and disgusting.

Click here to call on Gov. Walker to apologize to the Wisconsin citizens. 

We are continuing to stand together to oppose Right to Work legislation fast-tracking through the Wisconsin legislature.  Here is a list of upcoming events where you can show your support and solidarity for Wisconsin’s working class.

SOLIDARITY SATURDAY RALLY:  12:00 p.m. noon at the State Street side of the Capitol.  Click here for bus information.

MONDAY, March 2:  TESTIFY AT ASSEMBLY LABOR COMMITTEE ROOM 417 North.  Register and testify against Right to Work at the Assembly Labor Committee meeting. Make your voice heard.

THURSDAY, March 5:  It is virtually certain the bill will go to the full Assembly floor on Thursday, March 5. Be there.  We need people to be there for the entire floor debate – no matter how long it takes.

DONATE TO THE OFFICIAL WORKER DEFENSE FUND:  Checks can be made to Wisconsin AFL-CIO Worker Defense Fund, 6333 W. Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53213.

Or you can click here to give $10, $20 or whatever you can afford today

Wisconsin Workers, Veterans Call on Scott Walker to Apologize to WI Citizens

Twice in one week, Gov. Walker has equated the hard hard-working people of Wisconsin who peacefully protest for their rights as workers to the radical Islamic terrorist organization ISIS.  

Click here to demand an apology from the Governor now.

Sam Yackel, a fire fighter, father, union members and Marine Corps veteran denounced Gov. Walker’s comments stating:

“Let me be clear: Scott Walker doesn’t know the first thing about terrorism, fighting for your country, or being part of a democracy. His comments were disgusting and offensive to both my service and the pillars of the democracy I fought to protect. He owes me, every man and woman in uniform, and every citizen of Wisconsin an immediate retraction and an apology.”

Yackel continued,

“I was that the protests in 2011. I stood side by side with my fellow firefighters, police officers, nurses, teachers, and Wisconsinites of all stripes to protest Walker’s attacks on working families and I was proud to do so.

We exercised our first amendment right to petition our government and it is literally the most American thing you can do.”

Click here to call on the Governor to apologize for this slanderous comments.

Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO,  called on the Governor to immediately apologize to Wisconsin.

"Scott Walker said exactly what he meant. This is no drafting error.  There is nothing more American than citizens coming together and exercising their right to petition their Government.  Gov. Walker doesn't seem to understand American Democracy and he should retract his shameful statement equating Wisconsin citizens to ISIS."

Bus Info for Saturday

Heading to the Capitol on Saturday for the Solidarity rally?  Below is bus times and contact information.  Hope to see you there as we continue to stand up to oppose Right to Work. 

Milwaukee
Departure Location: Milwaukee Area Labor Council – 633 S. Hawley Road, Milwaukee, WI 53214
Departure Time: 9am
Contact: Emily Kitchin – ekitchin@wisaflcio.org
 
Kenosha/Racine
Kenosha Stop
Departure Location: UAW Local 72 – 3615 Washington Road, Kenosha, WI (Please park on SW end of parking lot)
Departure Time: 8am
Contact: Justin Geiger – jgeiger@wisaflcio.org
 
Racine Stop
Departure Location: Hwy 11 Park & Ride – Sturtevant, WI
Departure Time: 8:30am
Contact: Justin Geiger – jgeiger@wisaflcio.org
 
Central WI
Wausau Stop
Departure Location: Wausau Labor Temple – 318 S. 3rd Avenue, Wausau, WI
Departure Time: 7:15 am
Contact: Sabrina Johnson – sjohnson@wisaflcio.org
 
Stevens Point Stop
Departure Location: IBEW 388 - 5224 Heffron Court, Stevens Point WI
Departure Time: 8:15 am
Contact: Sabrina Johnson – sjohnson@wisaflcio.org
 
Wisconsin Rapids Stop
Departure Location: Laborers Hall – 220 Johnson Street, WI Rapids, WI
Departure Time: 9am
Contact: Sabrina Johnson – sjohnson@wisaflcio.org
 
Eau Claire
Eau Claire
Departure Location: Eau Claire Labor Temple; 2233 Birch Street; Eau Claire, WI 54703
Departure Time: 8 am
Contact: Andy Thompson - athompson@wisaflcio.org
 
La Crosse/Sparta/Mauston
La Crosse Stop
Departure Location: Valley View Mall (Behind the Texas Roadhouse), La Crosse, WI
Departure Time: 8:30 am
Contact: Andy Thompson - athompson@wisaflcio.org (RSVP Required)
 
Sparta Stop
Departure Location: Sparta Family Restaurant, 741 Avon Road, Sparta, WI
Departure Time: 9 am
Contact: Andy Thompson - athompson@wisaflcio.org (RSVP Required)
 
Mauston Stop
Departure Location: Kwik Trip, 611 WI-82, Mauston, WI
Departure Time: 10 am
Contact: Andy Thompson - athompson@wisaflcio.org (RSVP Required)
 
Hudson
Hudson
Departure Location: Carmichael Road Park and Ride, Carmichael Road and I-94, Hudson, WI
Departure Time: 7am

Green Bay/Oshkosh
Green Bay Stop
Departure Location: NE WI Technical College Parking Lot G (Security Code enter #6), 2740 W. Mason Street, Green Bay WI
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Contact: John Smallwood - jsmallwood@afscme40.org

Oshkosh Stop
Departure Location: Park & Ride – South Washburn Street (Intersection of Hwys 41 & 44), Oshkosh, WI
Departure Time: 8:50 am
Contact: John Smallwood - jsmallwood@afscme40.org

Kaukauna/Fond du Lac
Kaukauna Stop
Departure Location: UA Local 400 Training Center, 2700 Northridge Drive, Kaukauna, WI
Departure Time: 8:45 am
Contact: Sharon Callahan – sharon@ua400.org (RSVP Required)

Fond du Lac Stop
Departure Location: UA Local 400 Training Center, 460 W. 11th Street, Fond du Lac
Departure Time: 9:45 am
Contact: Sharon Callahan – sharon@ua400.org (RSVP Required)

 

Solidarity Saturday Rally & RTW Fight Back Schedule

Thousands of working families have been coming to the Capitol to detail the impact of Right to Work legislation on their lives.  Workers have been speaking up and making it clear to their elected officials that Right to Work will lower wages for all, decrease workplace safety, destroy long-standing training programs that give workers valuable skills and make it harder Wisconsin to feed their families, pay their bills, and have a shot at a decent life. 

Last night, after hours of debate in the Senate, and with citizens watching and giving witness, the bill was passed, 17-15.

SOLIDARITY SATURDAY RALLY:  Join working families at 12:00 p.m. noon on Saturday, February 28, at the State Street Side of the Capitol to continue to oppose Right to Work. 

Will you be there? Click here to RSVP.

This week’s RTW fight back Schedule

MONDAY, March 2:  TESTIFY MONDAY AT ASSEMBLY LABOR COMMITTEE ROOM 417 North.  Register and testify against Right to Work at the Assembly Labor Committee meeting.

THURSDAY, March 5:  It is virtually certain the bill will go to the full Assembly floor on Thursday, March 5. Be there.

Together, we will continue to work for a better Wisconsin.  A Wisconsin where all workers have access to good family-supporting jobs and decent wages.  A Wisconsin where the democratic process is respected and revered. 

GOP Silences Debate on RTW after Thousands Protest & Testify

The Capitol Rotunda has been jammed with workers, faith leaders, business leaders and community members all day who have been waiting for hours and hours to testify in opposition of the so-called Right to Work bill.  Many took off work.  Many traveled hours.  All have been waiting patiently to make their voices heard in the respected democratic process of the Wisconsin tradition.  In a gut-wrenching move, Senator Nass abruptly shut down debate, ramming through a vote and silencing the voice of democracy. 

We have a proud tradition of hearing all citizens when they take the time to come to the Capitol to testify on legislation.  Right to Work impacts every single Wisconsinite.  Workers and businesses joined together today to tell legislators to stop Right to Work in Wisconsin.  This debate is important.  Countless families will have a harder time providing a decent standard of living for the ones they love.   Workplaces will become less safe.  There will be fewer opportunities for workers to get the training they need to succeed.

Silencing the voices of citizens is the definition of undemocratic and a shameful way to conduct public policy. 

Join us for a 12:00 p.m. rally on Wednesday, February 25. Together, we will continue to urge legislators to vote against Right to Work. 

Lift your voice –

• Add your name to the growing petition to stop Right to Work.

• Send an email to your representatives.

• Coming together in times of distress is what makes the union movement strong.  Stand shoulder to shoulder with Wisconsin workers with a donation of $10 or $15 to the Wisconsin Worker Defense Fund today. 

The Senate plans to vote on the bill Wednesday, February 25.  We urge you to continue to contact your Senators in opposition of RTW.  Come to the Capitol at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25. 

Together, we will make our voices heard.  

 

View more rally photos here.

Solidarity: Week's Events

Workers and community members from across Wisconsin are gearing up to make their voices heard and participate in democracy this week at the Capitol in order to halt anti-worker Right to Work legislation.  

Here’s a list of events:

10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 24:  The Senate Labor Committee will hear public testimony from concerned citizens starting at 10:00 a.m. and lasting until testimony is finished.  Please join by coming to Room to Be Announced to tell your elected officials how Right to Work will hurt your family, your business, your workplace and your community.

12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24:  Rally on the State Street side of the Capitol.  Testimony will continue against Right to Work during and after the rally.  

12:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25:  Rally on the State Street side of the Capitol in Madison.  
Add your name to the petition to stand firm against Right to Work legislation in Wisconsin.  

Our elected representatives need to hear that the public is against Right to Work legislation.  Right to Work is wrong for all Wisconsin families.  Right to work will not create jobs and will lower wages for all workers – making it harder for hard-working families to reach the American Dream.

Stand up for the middle class. Stand up against Right to Work.  See you in Madison this week!

Send a Message to Legislators: Stop Right to Work in Wisconsin

Yesterday, Republicans unveiled a plan to call an extraordinary session on February 23 to pass Right to Work legislation. Right to Work legislation lowers wages for all workers union and non-union -- and hurts our entire middle class.

Click here to send a message to your legislators:   Stop Right to Work in Wisconsin.

As workers, we need to make our voices heard and speak out for fair wages, safe working conditions, worker rights and a strong middle class.  Send a message today.

There will be two rallies to stop Right to Work.  Join us at the State Street side of the State Capitol in Madison at 12:00 p.m. noon on Tuesday, February 24 and Wednesday, February 25.

Click here for a rally flyer.  Share and spread the word. 

Add your name to the petition to Stop Right to Work.

Workers coming together through their unions gives working people a strong voice in the workplace to speak out for better wages and fair working conditions.  Unions set the standard, lift wages and enhance working conditions for all workers.

Rally to Stop Right to Work

BREAKING:  There will be a rally to protest the introduction of Right to Work legislation Tuesday, February 24 and Wednesday February 25 at 12:00 p.m. at the state Capitol.  We must stand together for our rights as workers and raise our voices in our democracy to stop Right to Work legislation from moving forward in Wisconsin.

WHAT:  Rally to Oppose Right to Work 
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. Tuesday February 24 and 12:00 p.m. Wednesday February 25  
WHERE: State Street Side of the Capitol 

The Senate Committee on Labor and Government Reform will be holding a hearing Tuesday, February 24.  Please join us at 9:00 a.m. to testify in opposition of Right to Work.  
 
You can also CONTACT your legislators in opposition of Right to Work. The legislative hotline is:  1-800-362-9472

Sign the petition to stop Right to Work in Wisconsin.

Republicans are planning to ram this legislation through in an extraordinary session at lightning pace.  An extraordinary session changes the rules, limits debate and makes a mockery out of our democracy.  A Right to Work bill could pass both houses and be signed into law by the Governor in days.  

Making Wisconsin a Right to Work state will not create jobs.  Claimed advantages of Right to Work are unproven.  Nationally recognized economists agree Right to Work provides no discernible economic advantage.  By lowering wages, Right to Work would weaken consumption and may undermine Wisconsin’s small businesses which depend on workers having wages to spend.

Stand up, fight back, participate in democracy.  Join us at the Capitol.

BREAKING: Right to Work to be Fast-Tracked week of February 23

URGENT, BREAKING NEWS:  We’ve just learned that the Legislature intends to introduce and pass Right to Work legislation NEXT WEEK.  In an attempt to thwart democracy, the GOP will call an extraordinary session to avoid debate and fast-track this anti-worker legislation into law.  

Gov. Walker has signaled that he will sign the bill if it gets to his desk.  

We need all hands on deck.  Add your name to this petition to stand firm against Right to Work.  

We need everyone speaking out and educating their friends, neighbors and legislators on the harmful impact to all workers of Right to Work legislation.

Sign and share the petition today.  

Be on the lookout for updates via email and on our social media pages, Facebook and Twitter.

Right to Work cripples the fundamental right of every American to join together, stick together and have a meaningful voice in the workplace. Without healthy unions, workers miss out on the chance to “have each other’s backs” and bargain for fair wages.  Union negotiated wages and working conditions help all workers, union and non-union.  

Let’s be clear, without unions, the promise of the American Dream quickly slips away from hard-working Americans.  

 

Put the Brakes on Fast Track

Tell Congress to put the brakes on runaway Fast Track legislation.  Bad trade deals have cost the U.S.  millions of jobs and shuttered tens of thousands of factories.  Send a message to your Congress person today in opposition of Fast Track Trade Promotion Authority.

Congress is set to Fast Track the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) -- a massive trade deal between the United States and 11 other countries that would lower wages, ship Wisconsin jobs overseas, weaken food safety standards and roll back environmental protections. 

Fast Track Trade Promotion stifles debate and rushes legislation in a single up-or-down vote. If the procedure is approved, it can and will be applied to future trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Fast Track is bad for American workers, who already face stagnant wages and have seen far too many jobs shipped overseas.

Call your Congress person:  Tell them to STOP Fast Track of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Fast Track would have a profound negative effect on working families. It means more secrecy, less democracy, more corporate influence, unfair trade, fewer organizing opportunities and fewer jobs.