Unions preparing general strike in Wisconsin?

hot air ^ | 2/22/11 | Ed Morrissey

[Nachum]

Remember that public-sector strikes are illegal in Wisconsin; it’s why a few doctors have been holding open-air clinics in Madison to give out notes excusing protestors from work. Unions in Madison now propose to drop the pretense and declare wildcat strikes if the legislature passes the budget-repair bill that will limit collective bargaining and transform the public sector workplace into open shops:

If Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans pass a budget repair bill that restricts union rights, labor groups in Madison said they would endorse the entire of a general strike of unions around the state.

The South Central Federation of Labor endorsed the idea of a strike at its meeting Monday night, but they didn’t “call” for a strike, since members said they don’t have the power to do so.

There are a couple of caveats to this movement, however. First, the unions want assurances from locals outside of Madison that they will follow suit. If other locals have the same kind of suicidal enthusiasm, then the strike will move forward. If not, then this is just talk.

[bkopto]

Bring it on. This is a fight worth having.

[Signalman]

All that is happening in WI recently, and which is spreading to other states, is very bad news for the Dems. If the Republicans stand on their principles in this matter, there will be a massive turnout for the GOP in Nov. 2012.

[Myrddin]

Fine. Dock their pay. It helps the bottom line and they aren't contributing that much anyway.

[KansasGirl]

Fire them all. There are millions of people who would love to have their jobs for less pay than they are making.

[Fedupwithit]

Then fire every one of their asses!! In case the idiot liberals in this country have not been listening, we the people, ARE SICK OF THEIR SHIT!!!

The time for placating these unions is over!! Bring on the fight!! I am ready!!!

[NC28203]

It will be interesting to see if the police and firefighters unions join them. They have been exempted from the current efforts to roll back collective bargaining.

[Jim W N]

If they're state unions and they strike, let the governor do what Reagan did in the Eighties: FIRE THEM ALL.

What a beautiful move that was. Didn't see too much of that foolishness after that.

[blackdog]

Monkey obtains machine gun. The result is entertaining and entirely predictable. The monkey however feels the power and force is on his side.

[EGPWS]

There are millions of people who would love to have their jobs for less pay than they are making.

Exactly!

Without collective bargaining these leaches would be toast.

[Harley]

And what’s the result of this craziness? We look like Europe.

[arista]

Union power comes from their ability to exclude competition. They are essentially cartels. They are able to demand and win wages and benefits far in excess of prevailing market levels. They can do this because employers don't have the option of firing the union workers and replacing them with equally qualified people off the street.

The solution is to eliminate their collective bargaining. If unions don't like it and start trouble, fire them and hire people who are willing to work from the millions of unemployed out there.

[Buckeye McFrog]

Never had any particular desire to live in Europe, but I suppose, here we be...

[Frantzie]

Fire them. I bet you would have 100,000 people apply for their jobs in a day. Do a cattle call for hiring. The state would be flooded with more people looking for work than strikers.

[traditional1]

IF the Unions try to pull this extortion scheme state-wide, there should be PLENTY of employment opportunities in Wisconsin for Midwesterners who want to be self-dependent, AND, advancing their careers on MERIT, instead of "longevity/Seniority".

I'm hoping a RICO Lawsuit and prosecution will ensue on those Union Bosses, too.

[Puppage]

[AU72]

Obama is already walking back his support. Too late Barry you pushed the Union button and should be prepared to piss off 87% of the nation.

[Seruzawa]

Good. Fire every striking tax eater. They can be replaced by anyone with a room temperature IQ.

[Wizdum]

FIRE/NO REHIRE

[blackdog]

The old worn out formulas for public union justification just don't create the same efficacy like they used to?

The public is pissed and every time the unions run their mouth they just dig deeper. The media keeps throwing them lifelines to no avail.