Thousands rally against Wisconsin governor’s assault on middle class

More than 30,000 people have taken to the streets of Madison, Wis., this week to protest the governor’s war on public workers.

Union members and other concerned groups have been rallying since Tuesday, when a public hearing was held on Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed budget that would strip public employees of their collective bargaining rights. The hearing before the Joint Finance Committee started at 10 a.m. and last until 3 a.m. Wednesday. Protesters have overwhelmed the state capitol and surrounding streets, with many of them holding vigil throughout the night.

Walker's anti-worker agenda is similar to the one pushed by Ohio Gov. John Kasich, which also led to  massive protests in that state.

Events are scheduled in both states next week to fight these agendas.

Democratic state senators have left Wisconsin to prevent a vote on the measure. The 14 senators are said to be holed up in a hotel in Rockford, Ill. "This is an extreme piece of legislation, and this was our only option,” Sen. Jon Erpenbach, told Channel 3000. “What we are doing by taking this action is standing up for the people of the state of Wisconsin, for the people we represent in our districts.”

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that President Obama has given his support to the protesters, accusing the governor of “unleashing an assault on unions.” The Post says the president’s political operatives are coordinating with union officials to mobilize demonstrators in Madison and for similar protests in other state capitals where public workers have been targeted.

Teachers, students, firefighters and Green Bay Packer players are among the thousands of union members and supporters who are protesting the bill.

The governor’s budget bill would eliminate collective bargaining rights for public employees, except when negotiating pay. Wisconsin has a projected budget deficit of $3.6 billion, and Walker wants to force government workers to pay more of their health care benefits and pensions.

Union members say the bill isn’t about balancing the state’s budget, but rather is a tactic to destroy unions and squeeze the middle-class. "What does denying school districts and local municipalities the right to collective bargain, if they choose to, have to do with your budget? Nothing," said Monona Grove High School teacher Denise Peterson.

In addition to the rally at the state capitol, the AFL-CIO put up ads on radio and TV across the state against Walker's plan. "Much of the bill is not about saving money for the state," said state AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Stephanie Bloomingdale, "but about crippling unions and their ability to have a voice in the workplace, and thus, the middle class."