Wisconsin on Steroids? Arizona GOP Wants to Make State Most Anti-Union in Nation

[marmar]

from In These Times:



Wisconsin on Steroids? Arizona GOP Wants to Make State Most Anti-Union in Nation
By Roger Bybee


“Wisconsin on steroids” –a sweeping set of anti-union laws even more severe than those passed in Madison last March over massive public outcry—is now on the legislative agenda in Arizona. Arizona Republicans seek to ban local unions of teachers, firefighters, police, and other public servants from collective bargaining, and would even prohibit local officials from conferring with unions. These and other proposals set a new low in proposed restrictions on union rights.

The draconian package of bills includes:

* A ban on local officials from bargaining with unions. It would even ban state and local units of government from conferring with unions.
* Public employees could no longer have their dues deducted from their paychecks.
* Enforcement of a “paycheck protection” plan making it harder for unions to get contributions for pro-labor candidates.
* Prohibit local governments from granting release time for union activities, so that union leaders would have to use personal time to resolve issues with management.

“We consider this even worse than the [anti-public union] legislation that Gov. Walker pushed in Wisconsin, “said AFL-CIO Executive Director Rebeka Friend. She believes the new wave of legislation is aimed at preventing union members from speaking out against the privatization of public services in Arizona.

Privatization has long been a central goal of both the American Legislative Exchange Council (see here and here), a national group funded heavily by the billionaire Koch brothers that drafts and promotes state legislation, and the Arizona-based Goldwater Institute, an ALEC affiliate. ...............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/12667/alec_goldwater_think-tank_seek_far-reaching_anti-union_goals_in_arizona/

[madrchsod]

1. there is a lot of free speech violations in that bill

there is also a lot of home rule problems. i thought the republicans were for small government? this bill does away with the freedom of any public entity to practice free speech and due the will of the people they serve.

just think if the democrats tried to pull this shit......

[NAO]

2. The MLK debacle, then SB1070, the Grim Brewer, and now this

don't forget Sherif Joe Arpillo.