Wisconsin Democrats seek to lock in worker contracts before Republican take over

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/Channels/Story.aspx?ID=1318389

11/28/2010

As the state of Wisconsin prepares to change over from Democratic leadership to Republican leadership Democrats in the legislature are trying to push through contracts for state workers. The workers have been without a new contract since the last one expired in mid-2009. Nine labor unions have been negotiating Governor Jim Doyle and have reached tentative agreements that now need to be ratified by members. Once ratified they need to go through committee and would then need approval by the legislature. Governor-elect Scott Walker has called on the outgoing Governor to stop negotiations with the unions because he wants his hands free when it comes to making budget decisions. Currently Democrats control both the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly, but in January control will completely shift to Republicans. Leaders of the Senate and Assembly have said they hope to find time in mid-December to call back representatives for a vote on the contracts.

[midnight]

1. Maybe.... I wonder why they waited until after the election

to move these contracts through.... People have been stalled for work since August.... And why don't they just get it done...

[LiberalFighter]

2. What else do those involved in the negotiations do besides that?

The state is not going to hire someone just to negotiate with another group. At the same time it shouldn't take as long as it did. IMO