Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Cullerton floats pension idea
Next Post: *** UPDATED x2 *** The compounding problem
Posted in:
* Maybe the CTU thought that scheduling a strike authorization vote the day after the Wisconsin recall election would give the union a big morale boost…
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis Wednesday joined thousands of teachers across the city — and even some from hospital beds — in voting on whether to authorize a strike of the nation’s third-largest school district.
Although she cautioned a gaggle of watching media at King College Prep that “do you all know the meaning of a secret ballot?” observers could clearly see her determined vote of “yes” on the question of whether to “authorize a strike on such a date as may be determined by the House of Delegates.’’
Lewis later predicted the union would make a new 75 percent approval threshold needed from all members — not just those who vote.
She said a strong voice was needed now from members “to make some movement at the table,’’ where the union has been sitting since November.
* But Gov. Scott Walker survived yesterday’s recall effort. This Forbes piece is a representative sample of the conservative react…
Public sector unions have reached their high water mark. Let the cleanup begin as the red ink recedes.
Despite a last-minute smear campaign accusing Scott Walker of fathering an illegitimate love child, the governor’s recall election victory sends a clear message that should resonate around the nation: The fiscal cancer devouring state budgets has a cure, and he has found it. The costly defeat for the entrenched union interests that tried to oust Walker in retribution for challenging their power was marked by President Obama’s refusal to lend his weight to the campaign for fear of being stained by defeat. We’ll see how well this strategy of opportunistic detachment serves in the fall as Obama reaches out to unions for support.
As Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker emerges victorious from a union-backed recall campaign, it is time to step back and look at the larger picture. It is one in which unions, especially those that supposedly represent government employees, are coming under increased scrutiny and their powers are being pared back throughout the five Great Lakes states.
Gov. Walker attracted the anger of those unions when he sharply limited their bargaining authority and gave individual employees the right to decide for themselves whether or not to join or support a union.
“Turnout was extremely high during this election, and this only shows one thing: voters are fed up with big spending Democrats running their state governments. Walker’s reforms are exactly what Illinois needs right now. Illinois could use more fiscally courageous leaders like Scott Walker and less like Pat Quinn, Mike Madigan and John Cullerton who think the solution to every problem is a tax increase.”
* Indeed, the exit polling showed that 52 percent favored the state’s new limits on collective bargaining and that Walker had a job approval rating of 54 percent.
But Lynn Sweet highlighted this finding…
Some 60 percent of Wisconsin voters said a recall was only appropriate when a public official was accused of some kind of official misconduct. Walker’s recall was triggered when he led the drive to grind down the collective bargaining rights of state government employees — a major policy difference, not a personal failing.
That resistance to the use of the recall tool suggests why some voters in Wisconsin were comfortable in casting a ballot for a Republican with roots in the Tea Party movement and turning around and saying in November they could vote for Democrat Obama.
Discuss.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 9:59 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Cullerton floats pension idea
Next Post: *** UPDATED x2 *** The compounding problem
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Not original, but liberals cried themselves to sleep last night, but couldn’t recall why.
Comment by Cal Skinner Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:03 am
I think Sweet gets it right. Recall shouldn’t be used because one side wasn’t happy with an election. If there are other circumstances in play, maybe recall is useful. But simply crying because you lost and the winner is implementing policies you abhor isn’t the best way to govern.
Elections have consequences. There aren’t any do-overs. Take it seriously the first time and then work harder the next time if you don’t like the result.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:11 am
There’s a tragedy here but it’s not the loss of union political power per-se, it’s that each political party is driven by unhealthy special interests. For the GOP it’s the, yes, 1% - the “we don’t care that history says our tax rates should be a little bit higher for the economy to grow” super-rich who never studied Econ 101’s tragedy of the commons. For the Dems, it’s largely unions - the only counterforce to the 1% in donations and manpower but who force bad policy like Illinois pension disaster (Dems have other lousy special interest ties, like the illegal immigration lobby, which doesn’t care what effect illegal immigration has had on the working poor or the safety net). As for Lynn Sweet’s observation, it’s true enough, but it’s also a bit like saying there were other causes of the Civil War besides slavery - there were, but they weren’t the main cause.
One last observation: anyone notice the Green Party candidate got 0.6% of the vote? Had the election been closer, we could have had another Nader.
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:13 am
According to Forbes, I should now think of my wife as a fiscal cancer. Hmm, I can’t imagine why that might make her angry.
Comment by Public employee spouse Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:22 am
Interesting that the most visable group pushing back against the CTU’s strike vote is an astro-turf outfit called Democrats for Education Reform. They’re running ads on Chicago radio chastizing the union for calling the vote while negotiations are still ongoing.
The group is funded by the Steans family and appearantly guided by John Kupper, David Axelrod’s partner and Rahm’s media guru.
More signs that Rahm is following a Clintonian “Third Way” when it comes to the Democratic Party’s relationship with labor unions. After the Wisconsin vote, maybe more Dems will start to push back against the unions.
Comment by Thomas Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:34 am
From the Illinois GOP:
–Illinois could use more fiscally courageous leaders like Scott Walker and less like Pat Quinn, Mike Madigan and John Cullerton who think the solution to every problem is a tax increase.”–
Illinois could use a real Republican Party and not one content to draw paychecks and pensions and whine all day in the GA.
The weirdness regarding public employees continues. Who knew they were the cause of so much spending?
Such denial. I thought all the money went to the Pentagon, Social Security and health care.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:34 am
I think Sneed is partially right - she is right that people will vote for Walker and vote for Obama, but the ethics of what justifies a recall isn’t the only reason one would do so.
Supporting Walker’s very agressive efforts to fight public sector unions isn’t inconsistent with preferring Obama over Romney, as there are other issues on the national stage (foreign policy, health care, progressive taxation, social issues) where one might prefer Obama to Romney, while still agreeing with Walker’s approach to public sector unions.
Comment by Robert Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:34 am
The various stats and findings are not contradictory. The recall was an utter waste of resources. There was no malfeasance, no moral, ethical or legal failing on the part of Walker. A few people didn’t like his actions. Live with it until the next election. That’s how it works here. The only people harmed by the actions he and the legislature took were public union leadership. That’s a pretty small portion of society. Not enough people were concerned by Walker’s actions to think he warranted recall. And in fact, the majority of voters favored his decisions and like the job he’s doing.
Comment by Southern Peggy R Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:38 am
Much of my family is in Wisconsin. The people there are so sick of recall elections, campaigns, and TV adds that they’d vote for Bozo the Clown if he’d promise to make it stop.
That being said, I’ve chosen to not listen to any of the spin put out by either side. It’s worthless talk at its best, and patronizing at its worst.
train111
Comment by train111 Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:38 am
As Remembered from a post by Rich Miller a while back:
“When you lose, say little. When you win, say less”.
Both sides seem to have forgotten that adage.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s to the public sector unions. And it’s real simple:
“Change your business model”.
As to what, well, maybe the place to start is by “talking to” your membership instead of “talking at” your membership (same advice applies to troubled companies, many of which have failed to follow the advice, with predictable results).
Probably won’t like what you get, but why would you be surprised? If things were going good, you wouldn’t be hearing (or most likely doing) any of this.
Comment by Judgment Day Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:39 am
Where is the union, Democrat, anti-Walker response to the results of the election? I’d like to know what they are saying in the aftermath.
Comment by Foxfire Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:43 am
The people of Wisconsin have spoken twice on Walker vs. Barrett, with the same results.
Both sides got out a lot of their voters, and it seems like ads and money bombardment didn’t move the needle much, if at all.
Time to move on.
Comment by mark walker Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:51 am
There is a “dirty” little secret that in my opinion does not get talked about enough–and I believe played a significant role in yesterday’s results in Wisconsin. It’s that many people, both Democrats and Republicans, who support traditional industrial and trade unions for the traditional reasons are not as sympathetic of public sector/government service unions which they view as a completely different animal since tax dollars are involved. Several reputable places have published that one half of the employees covered by public unions did not choose to voluntarily pay union dues once the changes in WI law no longer made such dues mandatory. L suppose one can argue whether these folks are freeloading cheapskates, or rather if they are just finally free to cease paying dues to a union which perhaps they felt did not listen to them, does not represent them well, or did not spend the dues in a prudent manner.
Will the public sector union leadership in Illinois take heed of the message from Wisconsin and try to work to repair their public image or will they double down is the question.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 10:54 am
What incredible arrogance on the part of Ms Lewis. Rich, wasn’t the CTU prohibited from striking in the first “reform” package that gave CPS control to Daley?
I know that the GA gave it back to them afew years ago, but they did it very quietly. It’d be intersting to get a response from those still in the GA who thought it was a good idea to restore that “deadly” weapon to the CTU.
Comment by Palos Park Bob Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:06 am
===It’s that many people, both Democrats and Republicans, who support traditional industrial and trade unions for the traditional reasons are not as sympathetic of public sector/government service unions which they view as a completely different animal since tax dollars are involved.===
Tell that to Indiana industrial and trade union members. It ain’t gonna stop with the public employee unions.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:07 am
A perspective from the Left (“The Political Environment, Progressive reporting from Wisconsin and the region. Scott Walker Recall Updated Frequently.”) on the Wisconsin election points out:
“But Walker got to spend and benefit from $35-$50 million, and an advantage over Barrett by something like 7:1 this time, so where’s Walker’s growth? Yes, he won, but not in a landslide.”
Comment by Cal Skinner Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:07 am
The polling that said that WI recall voters preferred Obama over Romney by 53% - 42% was the same polling that said the recall election was “too close to call”, a “squeaker”, “likely for a recount”, 50%-50%, etc. As Ari Fleischer noted on CNN, there clearly was a fundamental problem with that polling, as they called the race within an hour of the polls closing.
Of course, Sweet didn’t report all the facts and stepped on her own point in what was breathtaking (even for her) cheer-leading for Team Obama. 60% favored recall only in instances of official misconduct, and an additional 9% NEVER favor recall.
I will believe Wisconsin is truly in play in the Presidential election when I see it; however, words like Sweet’s (Wisconsin results “leaves President Barack Obama in better shape than Mitt Romney”) add evidence to why so many Republicans believe the media is in the tank for Obama.
Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:17 am
I don’t think swing voters necessarily have issues with unions and collective bargaining per se. I think they see their own retirement security to be so poor and are understandably jealous of those with defined benefit pensions.
Of course, there are arguments against that…but it’s a powerful perception that give Republicans a great wedge issue. When you throw in the fact that Illinois Democrats threw a lot of their base under the bus with the Medicaid bill (unlike Obama, who has done a lot to protect Medicaid), I think the danger to Illinois Democrats is real. Diminished base enthusiasm, loss of swing “Obama-Walker” voters, and high GOP enthusiasm. Social issues are probably the best defense, but that can only take you so far in a bad economy. Should be interesting.
Comment by Sam Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:20 am
Even if the wisconsin results should chasten public unions I predict it will only further radicalize them and increase the desperation. Republicans are well poised to capitalize on this and democrats will probably just keep whistling past the graveyard. A ctu strike will become a gift to mitt romney and a black eye for obama. Is rahm ready for this?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:21 am
Sure, Walker stayed. But they also appear to have wrested away control of the Senate from Republicans.
So maybe they like some of Walker’s ideas, but they want something in place to keep him in check when necessary.
Comment by Stuff happens Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:23 am
I’d say the Republican plan to end the political influence of unions is working. Shouldn’t Walker and his billionaire supporters be congratulated?
Sweet is right; enacting unpopular legislation doesn’t justify a recall.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:27 am
A liberal react:
From The Associated Press:
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Voters in two major California cities overwhelmingly approved cuts to retirement benefits for city workers in what supporters said was a mandate that may lead to similar ballot initiatives in other states and cities that are struggling with mounting pension obligations.
The measures were especially significant, because they covered current workers, not just new hires. San Diego approved its measure with 66% of the vote. In the more liberal San Jose, the measure won 70%.
It isn’t hard to understand the voters frustration with the unions. In recent years, the pension costs in both cities have skyrocketed; San Diego now spends 20% of its general budget on pension costs. In San Jose, the figure is almost 30%. This has forced both cities to dramatically cut back city services and lay off workers. In San Diego, fire stations had to share engines and trucks. The generous benefit packages union had won from politicians are simply unsustainable. Even voters in California have had enough.
Make no mistake; mayors and governors across the country were watching closely last night’s results. Cities and states nationwide are struggling with the soaring costs of union benefits. They are increasingly difficult to defend when private sector workers have to adapt to reduced benefits and increased job insecurity.
And, reforming public sector pensions works. Wisconsin has already saved $1 Billion without cuts to services, lay-offs or tax hikes. Cities and states around the country could save tens of billions of dollars with similar reforms.
The unions know this, which is why they poured so much money into these fights. Every responsible elected official knowns pension obligations have to be tackled if they are to get their fiscal houses in order. Unions needed to show that the political risks in doing so would be too great. Their failure was catastrophic.
Not only were the politicians championing these reforms not punished, they thrived. Walker got more votes than he received in 2010. Carl DeMaio, chief proponent of the reforms in San Diego, is the leading frontrunner to win the Mayor’s office. In San Jose, its measure was championed by Mayor Chuck Reed, a Democrat.
A wave for reforming public unions is building nationwide. There is nothing the unions can do to stop it.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:33 am
“Where is the union, Democrat, anti-Walker response to the results of the election? I’d like to know what they are saying in the aftermath.”
Scott Walker is another disingenuous politician. He cites Reagan as a hero, but Reagan unequivocably supported unions and union rights in word. He could have campaigned the first time on union stripping. He is embroiled in a very large corruption investigation and appears to have associated with shady characters.
If I have my facts right, Walker stripped public unions’ rights to collect dues, but they were reinstated in court. If public union funding disappears, how can political opposition compete with the agendas of billionaires? Walker ripped away powerful unions from government with seven times more powerful funding from billionaires (again, I may not be spot on, but I think it’s something like this).
If people want Walker as their poster child, they can have him. Maybe he will be a serious contender for the Romney VP job. If Walker is indicted or more of his associates are convicted, that will be on those who elevate him.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:51 am
One thing to remember when arguing about Public Sector Unions is there is a huge difference in Union Leadership, and rank and file Members. This is evidenced in a few ways; Many in Union Leadership never worked as rank and file Members in the jobs they represent but rather their carear is all in the union; When given a choice, 50% chose to drop out of the Union in WI; The rank and file Members as a whole are not as Progresive as the Union Leadership, and do not share many of the Liberal views that the Leadership fights for.
Union Leadership in Public Sector Unions has moved to the point where their concerned with promoting the Progressive agenda more than promoting what is best for the members. Evidence of this lays in Council 31s biggest arguement during the recent facility closure hearings where their biggest arguements were we need more taxes, the tax breaks given to CME and Sears are to blame for the State being broke, and we need a progresive income tax, not the value of the facilities to the operation of the respective Departments. Also, even tho Members got hosed by Gov. Quinn, they still backed him in 2010, and will again in 2014. To Union Leadership the Progressive Agenda is the Number One Goal, not the interests of those they represent, and more members are realising this.
As far as the Polls showing Obama still leading in WI, they are like all the polls show either one leading at this point, they dont mean squat.
Comment by SO IL M Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:51 am
@Stuff Happens - the Sente did flip, for now, but that only helps them if there is a special session this summer. They aren’t scheduled to meet again until after the fall election (under the new district map, which leans to to the GOP’s favor)
Comment by titan Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 11:56 am
Thanks for pointing that out, Titan.
Comment by Cal Skinner Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 12:11 pm
Can anyone say Walker for Governor- just think how much fun it would be having Ms Lewis negotiating across the table from Scott Walker
Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 12:20 pm
–Can anyone say Walker for Governor- just think how much fun it would be having Ms Lewis negotiating across the table from Scott Walker –
In what comic book universe would that be?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 12:47 pm
With 60 % opposed to recalls I would argue the unions outperformed. The Exit poll showed Obama winning and a majority supporting at least the existance of teachers unions so there is some real mixed stuff here.
Wisconsin is one of the most rural states,Iowa being the other in the Midwest.
I think one reason the recall side did not get much money is that polls for months showed even worse results and more hostility to the recall than the final results
However they did win the Wisconsin Senate. That would have been my advice.
The California vote is more disturbing esp San Jose. San Diego is a republcian city and the vote looks like new hires
Comment by western illinois Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 12:50 pm
Last night was just the start. Can’t wait until November. Might be interesting to start talking about what a Romney presidency will mean for Illinois.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 1:19 pm
–Might be interesting to start talking about what a Romney presidency will mean for Illinois.–
You tell us — what will it mean?
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 1:21 pm
- SO IL M - Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @One thing to remember when arguing about Public Sector Unions is there is a huge difference in Union Leadership, and rank and file Members
Walker In Wisconsin: was taking money from the actual Unions and the candidates they support with millions in donations. Hundreds of thousands protested and shut down the capital.
Ouinn/Madigan in Illinois: are attempting to take Benefits from, rank and file Union members and Fixed income Retirees. Very few protest? Unions still getting money from forced union dues and Candidates still getting millions from Unions.
So which is worse? Hurt the working man or retiree, or keep the Unions rich and the cash flowing to the Democratic Candidates.
Comment by Bob Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 1:25 pm
What will it mean? Less federal money.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 2:19 pm
–What will it mean? Less federal money. –
Are you kidding? Illinois taxpayers have been subsidizing our “small government” cousins in the South and West for years.
http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2004/09/red_states_feed.html
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 2:44 pm
Yes wordslinger. And Romney plus a gop congress would tilt more money away from the blue states as punishment. Just one example: romney’s proposed elimination of the state income tax deduction on federal taxes.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 2:50 pm
Smaller federal government means less federal money directed back to the states.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 2:58 pm
“Might be interesting to start talking about what a Romney presidency will mean for Illinois.”
He won’t like the look of Eli’s Cheesecake. He might think it was made in a 7-Eleven bakery.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 3:15 pm
-Bob-So which is worse? Hurt the working man or retiree, or keep the Unions rich and the cash flowing to the Democratic Candidates
Good question, but I do not accept that as the only two options. What that says is that we have to keep up the status quo and let Unions continue to lead us to Progresive Socialism, or to give up everything we have worked for over the last few decades. It is a fact that something has to happen, and will no matter if we like it or not. How about the option of Unions stop attempting to be part of a political movement and get back to addressing whats best for the members. And yes addmitting that some concessions will have to be made or everything will be taken away at some point. The Public Employee has to have the confidence and support of the Public, and currently they do not. Not just in WI but in IL as well. Perhaps instead of pushing the talking points of higher taxes, the case could be made for the value of the work that the Correctional Officers who were attacked last week perform. Maybe instead of blaming tax incentives to corporations to provide jobs the case could be made that one telecommunicator in DuQoin can not reasonably provide the level of service as the ones in the Districts now, especially when you can not reach all points in the districts they will be attempting to cover. Hurting the working man or retiree will not fix everything that is wrong in this state, and keeping the Unions Rich and cash flowing to democrat candidates will only keep us on the road we are on.
Comment by SO IL M Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 3:49 pm
What a Romney presidency will mean to Illinois is in context to what it will mean for America: A resurgent middle class and prosperity borne on the wings of corporate tax cuts and income tax cuts for the top earners, decreasing union protections and rights and deficit reduction relying almost solely on budget cuts.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 3:53 pm
Rich @ 11:07
“It ain’t gonna stop with the public employee unions.”
It did not start with them as I am sure you know.
The unions have been under fire for a long time. Trouble is they often help the opposition by shooting themselves in the foot.
Public sector unions are just the latest to find out they are not an island. Unions got where they did with the support of the regular folks. Somewhere along the way they have lost the fight for the heart and minds of the public. In some cases even the support of their own members. Once apon a time the members cared if the local Butcher was a union shop, or the Barber, or the Bartender.
I have personally stood at the Capitol several times in the last few months in support of the Public sector folks. There should have been five times the numbers of people as there were. I will admit a little voice in the back of my head was asking, how many of these same people walked past me as I stood on a picket line in front of a jobsite that was built non-union. I even had one of my own members straight up tell me on a picket of a local resturant ” I will stand out here for you but when they open up I’m going in there to eat.” I tried to tell my own organization to spend more on P.R. and winning back member support with little success.
My problem with the WI recall is I think it was the wrong battle at the wrong time. As Scotty would say ” Captain the shields are down to 15% I don’t know if we can take another hit like that.”
Comment by Bemused Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 4:24 pm
“Perhaps instead of pushing the talking points of higher taxes, the case could be made for the value of the work that the Correctional Officers who were attacked last week perform.”
There are abysmal staffing levels in state government, and massive workloads. It’s not fair to judge performance in such working conditions.
“keeping the Unions Rich and cash flowing to democrat candidates will only keep us on the road we are on.”
But having billionaire conservatives massively outspend public unions in political contests will be a better road?
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 4:28 pm
Two simple public sector union reforms:
Union bosses cannot collect public pensions.
Automatic deduction of union dues eliminated.
Wait one year and let’s see where we are.
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 4:39 pm
“Trouble is they often help the opposition by shooting themselves in the foot.”
It’s sadly ironic that in Wisconsin, unions accepted all concessions but were sucker-punched.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jun 6, 12 @ 4:39 pm