Capitol Chaos
Largest state unions won't seek recertification by deadline
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Cody Holyoke reports Video by tmj4.com
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MILWAUKEE- A huge deadline for thousands of Wisconsin union workers as it will mean the end of state public unions as we know it.
The clock is ticking, and by the close of business Thursday, many of the state's labor unions will have many of their rights stripped away.
The capitol chaos is spreading, again working its way into the lives of public workers.
Maurice Pulley is a county employee and his union didn't meet the new deadlines to recertify set by the budget repair law, meaning his employer could now refuse to recognize him as a union member.
"It's an avenue for me to be heard. It gives me a seat at the table, and without that i don't have that," said Pulley.
TODAY'S TMJ4's Cody Holyoke reports that major groups, including the Wisconsin State Employees Union, refuse to comply with the Governor.
Local 82 President Gilbert Johnson knows the title of union will be gone without an election, but he maintains members won't be left in the dark.
He says, "if they end the relationships they have with us, we have choices. We can withold our labor."
For unions, following the law isn't necessarily an easy task.
To recertify, they need the votes of 51 percent of all union members, not just the people who take the time to vote.
Even with a new title of "association," members are quick to point out they'll continue to organize, but some question how strong these groups will be from here on out.
Though many unions won't hold elections, they aren't officially de-certified unless someone requests it.
Union members say they'll still be able to have representaion, but it's an uphill battle.
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