Mass. teachers, others rally in support of Wis. workers

[Joanne98]

Source: Boston Globe

The Massachusetts Teachers Association and other labor organizations are planning simultaneous rallies today in support of Wisconsin educators and other public employees who face the loss of collective bargaining rights under a proposal made by Republican Governor Scott Walker.

The events will be held at 4 p.m. at the State House and Springfield City Hall. Also attending will be members of the AFL-CIO, AFSCME, SEIU, Jobs with Justice, and other pro-labor groups.

MTA President Paul Toner said in a statement that Walker's proposal would "destroy collaborative partnerships that have been established between labor and management to help students succeed and strengthen communities. It’s not about pay and benefits — it’s about fairness and justice."

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, a Democrat, has pushed the state's labor unions to collaborate with a cash-strapped state and its municipalities, but he has also made a point of stating that government leaders have to negotiate with unions and not dictate to them.



Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2011/02/mass_teachers_o.html

[DRex]

1. K&R nt

[Joanne98]

2. Labor, Tea Party groups to duel over Wisconsin workers

Although the epicenter of the fight is 1,200 miles away, Massachusetts labor groups plan to rally late Tuesday afternoon on Beacon Hill in support of Wisconsin public employees whose collective bargaining power would be stripped under a proposal by Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

But they won’t be alone. The Greater Boston Tea Party is mobilizing supporters for a counter-rally at the foot of the State House, arguing that Walker’s actions were “common sense” and that they represent “private sector taxpayers.”

Both events are planned for 4 p.m. and both promise to deliver highly charged messages.

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20110222labor_tea_party_groups_to_duel_over_wisconsin_workers/

[Poboy]

3. good.

[Arkana]

4. It's good to be a Masshole.

When Democrats run everything, things are generally less fucked.

[JNelson6563]

5. Solidarity!