When crucial public sector workers collectively bargain, they end up with ruinous power over the taxpayers:  how many days can a city survive without its police, its transit workers, or its teachers? 

In a 4-3 decision, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin has given the Governor a win in his war on public sector unions. The decision overturns the trial court invalidation of the legislation. Previous post here.

A state circuit court in Wisconsin has voided the controversial law repealing collective bargaining for public employees -  because the legislature allegedly violated the state's open meetings law. This issue will ultimately make it to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Journal-Sentinel has a good article giving context to the ruling.

Joe Burns at In These Times (pro labor) has posted an insightful analysis of public sector unions core problem - the weakness of private sector unionism. Seizing on that weakness, Burns notes, is a well-funded network of conservative forces which has mounted an all out assault on labor rights. While he has correctly diagnosed the problem, his projected cure, more solidarity of purpose and a return to collective actions may not be achievable in an environment determined to suppress it.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is soliciting signatures on an open letter challenging right wing pundits Glenn Beck and El Rushbo to stop maligning public workers.

Another poll, this one from Gallup, indicates the public is less anti-labor than some Republican governors would like.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker now has a 57% disapproval rate, according to a new Rasmussen poll. 48% strongly disapprove. Yikes! Among families with children in public school 67% disapprove, 54% strongly so.

Chris Bowers at Daily Kos has a detailed piece with video about the remarkable demonstrations ongoing in Wisconsin as Governor Walker continues to target public sector unions. Of course its favorable to labor . . .

Massive protests have erupted in Wisconsin in response to Republican efforts to repeal collective bargaining for public employees. Wisconsin was first in the nation to grant collective bargaining rights (1959) to public sector employees. Not something you will see in this part of the world.