MADISON, Wis, (Reuters) – Wisconsin’s governor signed into law yesterday sweeping limits on collective bargaining rights for public sector workers that have ignited a national debate over unions as other states weigh similar curbs.
In a setback for U.S. organized labor and its Democratic allies, Republican Governor Scott Walker signed the measure passed by the legislature this week that eliminates most bargaining rights for many state government workers and increases their contributions for pensions and healthcare.
In the three weeks since Wisconsin took up the issue, large protests in Madison and other state capitals signal grass-roots support for