The Wisconsin Alliance, which represents over 100,000 retirees, joined tens of thousands of workers, students and Wisconsin residents in protests, sit-ins, and rallies - both at the Madison capitol and statewide - to protect their rights, benefits and working conditions this week.
Under Governor Scott Walker’s (R) plan, state employees’ share of pension and health care costs would go up by an average of 8% (Appleton Post Crescent). Among those speaking out to protect their collective bargaining rights were retired teachers and public employees, who are well-aware that Walker’s budget bill would remove what they have earned over several decades. Wisconsin Alliance President Leon Burzynski said in a statement Wednesday, “Since the 1930’s, Wisconsin has had a great tradition of allowing public sector workers a voice on the job. Now, the Governor wants to take away that right abruptly…some politicians, including the Governor, are using their political power to take away workers’ rights and force cuts that will devastate Wisconsin’s weakened economy.”
[Directly excerpted from the Alliance for Retired Americans on February 23, 2011. Click to read the Friday Alert Newletter.]
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