Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/662/11432
From The Socialist newspaper, 16 March 2011
Wisconsin occupation
On 11 February Scott Walker, US Republican state governor of Wisconsin, proposed the introduction of an anti-trade union bill.
The bill's measures will strip public sector trade unions of their collective bargaining rights over non-wage issues, force unions to win annual votes if they are to retain any status at all in public sector workplaces and to end the payment of union dues from workers' wages.
These proposals sparked off an enormous pro-workers movement in Wisconsin and solidarity actions throughout the US.
On 9 March, Walker and the Republican Senate used an illegal manoeuvre to push through his bill, without the return of the 14 Senate Democrats (who, for three weeks, had absented themselves from the legislature to prevent its passage).
Workers' resistance has been incredible, with another occupation of the state Capitol building and a mass student walkout on 10 March, in protest at this illegal move. The occupation temporarily prevented the bill from going to the state assembly for a vote.
Socialist Alternative (the Socialist Party's counterpart in the USA) is actively campaigning for urgent preparation for general strikes and other actions to escalate the struggle until Walker backs down.
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In The Socialist 16 March 2011:
Anti-cuts campaign
Defend jobs and services: Protest 26 March
Building the battle against the cuts - now and beyond 26 March
Campaigning against all cuts and privatisation
Socialist Party news and analysis
Hutton's plans mean savage cuts - Fight to defend your pension!
Vote for a socialist alternative
Huge protests against job insecurity
The rich get richer - by another $1 trillion
Youth fight for jobs
March from Jarrow with Youth Fight for Jobs
For real jobs not exploitation
Socialist Party workplace news
Northern Ireland: Broad left gains in union elections
Privatisation threat to the blood service?
Defend jobs and education at Newcastle College
Action called off by Birmingham bin workers
Left victory in building workers' union
International socialist news and analysis
Japan: Tsunami results in misery for millions
Workers hit hard by earthquake and tsunami
Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories: "We'll struggle like in Egypt"
Tunisia: 'You come back - we come back'
Saudi troops to suppress Bahrain protesters
Socialist Party campaigns
Thousands protest against Lib Dems in Sheffield
Protester challenges Lib Dem MP to debate
Lively discussion at LGBT meeting
Leeds: Celebrating International Women's Day
Celebrate International Workers' Day in the Socialist with a May Day greeting
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