The details of new contracts for state employees have provoked a bitter battle in Wisconsin, where a lame duck legislature controlled by Democrats has been unable to sign off on the contracts, making it likely that the union will have to bargain with incoming Republican Governor Scott Walker and a legislature controlled by the GOP after Jan. 3.
Walker started the battle when he criticized the lame-duck session of the Wisconsin legislature for rushing to approve new contracts for state workers that Walker said didn't seek enough concessions. The new contracts appeared ready to sail through both houses of the Wisconsin legislature until Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker balked at the deal, infuriating his own party. Decker, who lost his re-election bid and won't be in the legislature next year, appears beyond retribution from his party at this point.Walker, meanwhile, has declared victory and promises a tougher stance on the new contracts.
Walker started the battle when he criticized the lame-duck session of the Wisconsin legislature for rushing to approve new contracts for state workers that Walker said didn't seek enough concessions. The new contracts appeared ready to sail through both houses of the Wisconsin legislature until Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker balked at the deal, infuriating his own party. Decker, who lost his re-election bid and won't be in the legislature next year, appears beyond retribution from his party at this point.Walker, meanwhile, has declared victory and promises a tougher stance on the new contracts.
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