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The numbers are not the big issue. The issue is stripping the union of their basic bargaining and organizing rights.
Missouri's bargaining law is not a union friendly public bargaining statute. Nevertheless, the governor does not find it necessary to wipe the unions out to obtain necessary personnel provisions. If the parties can't reach an agreement, then the governing body will implement the terms it has agreed to, and apply the other terms it deems necessary. In that process, the union is still recognized and given a voice in the process, and is not limited to bargaining over only one of the terms and conditions of employment. They are not burdened with the demand to go though the recognition process on a yearly basis, while being financially starved by the elimination of dues checkoff.
If the fiscal needs of the state demanded some employee contribution to health and pension plans, the Wis. governor could seek statutory implementation of those terms (even though he created the fiscal crisis by giving tax cuts to businesses). It is not necessary to nuke the unions to gain the allegedly necessary fiscal adjustments. That venture is nothing but ideological vindictiveness.
Regards,
D-Ray
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Then I'll get on my knees and pray,
We won't get fooled again; Don't get fooled again
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