Wisconsin, "which passed a comprehensive collective bargaining law in 1959 and was the birthplace of the national union representing all non-federal public employees" seems set to pass landmark legislation that would "strip government workers, including school teachers, of nearly all collective bargaining rights.":
In addition to eliminating collective bargaining rights, the legislation also would make public workers pay half the costs of their pensions and at least 12.6 percent of their health care coverage...
In an interview with Milwaukee television station WTMJ, President Barack Obama said he was monitoring the situation in Madison and acknowledged the need for budget cuts. But, he said, pushing public employees away from the bargaining table "seems like more of an assault on unions."
Unions still could represent workers, but could not seek pay increases above those pegged to the Consumer Price Index unless approved by a public referendum. Unions also could not force employees to pay dues and would have to hold annual votes to stay organized.
