Union groups, others plan large protest Wednesday over state budget plan at Michigan Capitol

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/a18631a3456345d98eeb9e1615e6dd81/MI-Michigan-Protests/

* TIM MARTIN Associated Press
* First Posted: April 12, 2011 - 4:00 pm
Last Updated: April 12, 2011 - 6:36 pm

LANSING, Mich. — Thousands of Michigan teachers, public employees and others are preparing to protest Wednesday at the state Capitol in continued opposition to budget plans proposed by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and the GOP-led Legislature.

Organizers say the rally scheduled for Wednesday could be the biggest yet for the state's current budget cycle. It's expected to include workers represented by the Michigan AFL-CIO, teachers unions and other many groups.

Michigan AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney says Republicans are moving ahead too quickly with budget plans, prompting protesters to turn out in the thousands in hopes of having their concerns heard.

"They're hurrying to get this done and the result of that is they're not listening to everyone involved enough," Gaffney said Tuesday.

Unions are upset about proposals they say would undermine collective bargaining rights, such as a new law that gives state-appointed emergency financial managers more power over schools and communities facing financial distress including the authority to toss out union contracts. Other groups are upset about proposed cuts to education funding and other programs.

FULL story at link.

[Scuba]

1. The People of Wisconsin support the People of Michigan. n/t