The Domino effect: it's not just for the Middle East anymore. What began in Wisconsin as a walk-out by Democrat lawmakers, in protest against a GOP attempt to curb union rights in the state, has spread to Ohio and Indiana. There, as in Wisconsin, the GOP is attempting to curb, cut back, or eliminate union rights; an effort that union members and Democrats are not taking lightly. In Ohio thousands have gathered to protest what Republican Gov. John Kasich has called an "effort to restore balance." In Indiana, Democrat members of the state House followed in Wisconsin footsteps and walked out yesterday on a Republican-supported bill that would reduce private-sector union rights and prevent unions from requiring workers to pay dues. Meanwhile, back in Wisconsin, the walk-out continues and the crowds are growing as thousands are now gathered outside the state Capitol building in Madison chanting, "Kill the bill! Kill the bill!" Many Republican lawmakers argue that these anti-union measures are a necessary effort to bring money to the state in a time of great financial desperation. Others see it as a deeper conflict. Robert Bruno, director of the labor education program at the University of Illinois at Chicago explains, "You're talking about a national conflict between corporate America and its conservative allies and the New Deal coalition." Is there a national war against unions being waged? Or are states just doing what they can to close serious budget gaps?
Guest:
Steven Greenhouse, New York Times Labor and Workplace Reporter