Oh no, here we go again !: (Massachusetts) Rep pushes bill to bust unions

[steve2470]

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1319252&srvc=rss

A Bay State Republican lawmaker is pushing for a low-key version of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s collective bargaining crackdown amid a national firestorm over union benefits.

“We have to unshackle managers’ hands so they can run things responsibly,” said state Rep. Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk), who served under former Gov. Mitt Romney and is currently U.S. Sen. Scott Brown’s legal counsel. “My legislation would give them the tools to manage wisely and well.”

Fiscal watchdogs told the Herald yesterday that Massachusetts could save $250 million if the state passed union-busting legislation — similar to Walker’s — that would eliminate collective bargaining on most issues except salary.

Winslow’s bill would remove collective bargaining on issues including hiring part-time workers, implementing drug and alcohol testing, and hiring, firing or promoting workers without adherence to seniority.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. It IS coordinated

in case anybody had any doubts

[flamingdem]

6. They are mentally joined by the psychic powers of Michelle Bachman nt

[Kat45]

2. Republican Reps have zero power, clout or influence in Mass.

As a matter of fact, there was a big demonstration outside the State House to support the workers in Wisconsin--and Governor Deval Patrick came out and spoke to them, also asserting support of the workers in Wisconsin.

Mass Republicans are usually at least somewhat reasonable and I find it troubling that a Mass Republican would do this. I also find it troubling that the right wing assholes would soil our state with this.

[seaglass]

9. Deval Patrick is a hypocrite - he has proposed taking collective bargaining rights

away from public employees. Why WOULDN'T a Repub in MA think there was an opening?

If you are from MA - look up public employees + GIC.

[karynnj]

10. Would it be a good idea to have MA constituents demand that Brown

reject this idea presented by the man described as "currently U.S. Sen. Scott Brown’s legal counsel"? Maybe when he gets back from his tour for his sensational book?

It would be nice if this puts him in tough place.

[RandySF]

3. Do the Republicans know what they're doing?

Half of these measure are popping up in states like MA and CA where they have a snowball's chance in Hell of passing, but they're energizing Democrats at the same time.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. In Cali they will try to go the petition route

so be ready to fight it with all your heart.

[RandySF]

5. It will jack up Democratic turnout

and possibly take down one or two Republican congresscritters or legislators.

[karynnj]

11. I hope it can be used to defeat a worthless Senator in MA

He is after all - currently U.S. Sen. Scott Brown’s legal counsel.

[myrna minx]

7. They're hitting hard in the strong areas - that's their strategy - to hit strengths.

Look at how they made John Kerry, a war hero, into a war criminal and a coward - all through propaganda messaging. They're brash like that, so if they can take down Wisconsin and Massachusetts , they have nothing to stand in their way.

[Major Hogwash]

8. Maybe we should criticize Obama for it.

Or call out for him, like is our gawd.
Every freaking Republican Governor has went after the unions, the middle class, this year.

I wonder if anyone will care if we start protesting against these changes?

"But, you weren't elected to do that!"

"So what! I'm the Gov, and I get to do whatever the FUCK I want, just try and stop me!"

[City of Mills]

12. The unions will stand together

They're begging for a coordinated national response...this is going to get ugly real fast.

Save 250 million? How? By paying private contractors to plow the roads, patrol the streets and run the state's IT infrastructure? The 'fiscal watchdogs' clearly have no idea what they're dealing with here.