Montana Reacts to Wisconsin Labor Dispute

Tools

By Kyle Midura

Story Published: Mar 10, 2011 at 7:23 PM MST

Story Updated: Mar 11, 2011 at 3:36 PM MST

BILLINGS - Wisconsin's Governor said he’d quickly sign legislation that strips nearly all collective bargaining rights from most of the state's public workers.

The Governor said it's necessary to curb Wisconsin's serious budget deficit; union workers claim it's an attempt to break unions. The measure has caught the attention of lawmakers and union representatives across the United States, including here at home.

Billings Republican Representative James Knox proposed legislation similar to the measure in Wisconsin. It would've allowed the state of Montana to renegotiate union contracts if proven that they would result in an increase in taxes or cuts in services. The bill died in committee.

Knox said it's not about breaking unions, but rather fiscal responsibility. "They're only wanting what's been promised to them, and I understand that," he said, "we need to change the promises, we can't promise the moon and give them a rock."

Joe Sands represents Montana's professional firefighters and is an active member of the Billings Fire Department. He said the firefighters' compensation is far from excessive, and said collective bargaining is a tool that has helped all workers, union or not. "I think it's absolutely appalling that people would try and shift blame for this economic crisis and slow recovery that we're in from Wall Street and the insurance industries, that caused this problem, to public employees," said Sands.

No bills addressing union compensation are currently being debated by the Montana Legislature. About 11% of Montana's workforce is unionized.

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Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 11 at 4:14 PM

if you don't want to be in a Union don't be! Some people do and it does protect people work too! If you haven't been in one than you wouldn't know. Sounds like you are hearing hear say!

DPS said on Friday, Mar 11 at 2:42 PM

I don't care about what Knox or the governor likes. BUT it is time to dump all unions wether in private industry or public jobs. All unions do is protect the lazy.

fffamily said on Friday, Mar 11 at 12:22 PM

Mr Knox..needs to go away..he obviously has an ego as large as himself...

WDW said on Friday, Mar 11 at 11:59 AM

IT IS SUCH A OBVIOUS MOVEMENT BY THE NEWLY ELECTED GOP MAJORITY TO SHOW OBAMA WHO IS NOW THE BOSS. IT WILL BACKFIRE SO BE WATCHING WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ELECTION. LET THE VOTERS RIGHT THEIR RUSH TO JUDJEMENT LAST ELECTION WAS POORLY THOUGHTOUT

denib said on Friday, Mar 11 at 8:52 AM

I agree that this whole episode is aimed at diverting attention from the real culprits. Saying that middle class workers are overcompensated is ludicrous. The middle class is barely hanging on while DC fat cats are getting fatter. No sympathy here....

markason said on Thursday, Mar 10 at 9:38 PM

here is some fat Cardio charlie to make a name for himself trying to wipe out the middle class of decent jobs and pay. I am sure he will set an example and cut his salary and all his Benefits to show us overpaid slobs "the way"!!

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