Republican lawmakers are anti-worker

[Omaha Steve]

Full article: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/OPINION03/607210305/1008/OPINION01&template=printart



Mark Gaffney

Republican lawmakers are anti-worker

GOP majorities opposed many moves to hike pay and benefits


Mark Gaffney is president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, a federation of Michigan labor groups.

Union members are predominantly Democrats in Michigan. While there are plenty of independent members and some who vote for Republican candidates, 65 percent of Michigan union members identify themselves as Democrats. Why is this? Our members understand that there is a large difference between most elected Republicans and most elected Democrats on worker's issues.

This legislative cycle in Michigan shows that difference. The Republican majority in Michigan's House and Senate only passed a minimum wage increase when they were pushed into a corner by a highly successful ballot petition drive supported by 80 percent of Michigan voters. Indeed, Republican state Rep. Rick Baxter, in joining 33 of his colleagues in voting against the increase, said that his "worst day was when we passed the minimum wage. That was one of those days when I sat back and thought, this day will never come while we're in power. That's pretty easy as far as the worst."

Cold on unemployment

Other examples of Republican lack of interest in working family's issues included the Republican majority in both the State House and Senate refusing to take up an increase in the level of unemployment benefits (a Democrat introduced the bill) or an extension in the number of weeks for collecting unemployment benefits (again, a Democrat introduced the bill).

The most recent example was this past June when Republicans (and only the Republicans) voted to take away overtime from thousands of Michigan workers. Not one Democrat voted for this.

The Republican-led state House and Senate have also refused to act on a Democratic proposal to end gender discrimination in the work place by passing a Pay Equity law to require employers to pay men and women equal compensation for comparable work. One would think that ending wage discrimination would be a bi-partisan issue.

[Monkeyman]

1. yep they all ways have been and all ways will be

705

[nealmhughes]

2. Indeed,

the Republican Party since its inception in the 1850s has been the corporate party -- even Lincoln, for all his humble origins, was a rail road lawyer...

The Democratic Party, rooted in Jefferson and Jackson, has always been the party of the people, despite all its past faults in race relations, the Democratic Party became the party of FDR and LBJ.

[wiley]

3. Kick

the Republicans out!

[AJH032]

4. Some would say that's pro-labor

as a minimum wage incrase may increase unemployment.

[Dr.Phool]

5. They've cried that tune for over 30 years that I remember

And it's never happened. Not once.

It might take a couple of bucks out of the CEO's pocket, or a penny away from the shareholders. Or it might increase the price of your shirt at Mall-Wart by 20 cents, but it's never cost any one a job.

Except maybe a bought-off Republican lawmaker.

[LincolnMcGrath]

7. Mythical nonsense

Some would say "* was appointed by Jesus" also.

[LincolnMcGrath]

6. Blue Collar Union Kick