Republican Politicians Banned From Labor Day Parade In Wisconsin

WASHINGTON -- A group of Wisconsin union officials has voted to ban Republican politicians from a local Labor Day parade, underscoring how partisan the state has become in the wake of this year's clashes over collective bargaining rights.

The Marathon County Central Labor Council, which sponsors the parade, includes some 30 local unions.

Council President Randy Radtke said in a statement on the group's website that politicians are only welcome at the festivities if they have demonstrated support for workers' rights.

"It should come as no surprise that organizers choose not to invite elected officials who have openly attacked worker's rights or stood idly by while their political party fought to strip public workers of their right to collectively bargain," Radtke said. "It is a time for working families to come together to celebrate their hard work and a time where we recognize the labor movement for all they have given us -- the weekend, the 40 hour work week, child labor protection, a safe work environment."

In February, the 14 Democratic members of the Wisconsin state Senate left the state to deny their GOP colleagues a quorum and prevent them from pushing forward Gov. Scott Walker's (R) controversial budget repair bill, which stripped most of the collective bargaining rights from public employees. Through a last-minute budgetary maneuver, Republicans were able to pass the measure. All but one GOP state senator voted for it.

On the federal level, Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) represents Wausau. In a statement to local ABC affiliate WAOW, Duffy's office decried the labor council vote. "Having walked in this parade in past years, Congressman Duffy was hoping that for a moment, we could set our differences aside and simply have some fun in a family-friendly event," a Duffy spokesperson said.

"[The congressman] walks in a lot of parades, and staff called to register a spot last week and was informed in colorful language that no Republicans were being allowed to participate this year," added Duffy Chief of Staff Brandon Moody in an email to The Huffington Post.

During the winter's budget fight, the congressman praised Walker but tried to keep his distance from the governor's stance on collective bargaining. In February, the editorial board of the Wausau Daily Herald called his reluctance to weigh in "just plain lame."

Radtke said the reaction to his decision has been mixed, with "some negative comments but mostly it has been overwhelmingly positive."

Other politicians who won't be welcome at the parade include state Sen. Pam Galloway (R-Wausau) and state Rep. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon).

This story was updated with additional comment from Duffy's office.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report incorrectly identified the broadcast network with which WAOW is affiliated. The station is an affiliate of ABC, not NBC.

Comments

[Sandra Schafer]

12:02 PM on 09/02/2011

They shouldn't ban anyone from marching, but I think it would have sent a powerful message if labor supporters turned their backs (literally) when any anti labor politician walked by during the parade.

[Vegan Girl]

06:16 AM on 09/01/2011

I hope they made an exception for the lone, moderate Republican State Senator Dale Schultz who broke with the GOP and stood with the people.

[Bradley Menne]

12:46 AM on 09/01/2011

Shows just how ridiculous the whole debate has become. It has become this petty little high school drama of, "you can't come to my party," just because we don't like what you have to say. Way to go Union officials. Way to show why Unions are full of it and need to have their power cut back, significantly. Just the unions though. Not the workers.

[Patriotology]

11:36 AM on 09/01/2011

The workers are the unions. But whatever, why do you hate American workers so much?
It isn't what they said, it's what they did. They stripped collective bargaining rights. So when someone beats their wife and then wonders why she won't let them come to the kids B-day party, it's high school drama of, "you can't come to my party,"? You guys don't get to destroy things then cry that no one that you destroyed doesn't like you.

[MWA1111]

02:13 PM on 09/05/2011

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-09-01/news/ct-met-pensions-villanova-20110902_1_municipal-employees-annuity-city-pension-pension-fund

[maninal2]

01:03 PM on 09/01/2011

The unions? The ones who's members fought and died for the benefits you take for granted? The unions that provide protections in your workplace that you know nothing about? Try learning something and stop being so childish.

[MWA1111]

02:12 PM on 09/05/2011

Sorry, that was union members of yesteryear. The unions of today are not the same. Too many fat cat's taking advantage of the system as union leaders. I'm not talking about the individual worker that's a member of the union but the folks whose only job in life is to get what they can from and for the union itself.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-09-01/news/ct-met-pensions-villanova-20110902_1_municipal-employees-annuity-city-pension-pension-fund

[mowprincess]

08:36 PM on 08/31/2011

I still pray for the day Koch boy Walker is fired... I guess he will wish he had a union then..

[brayhaven]

07:47 PM on 08/31/2011

Labor is NOT the unions, who have destroyed American manufacturing jobs with extortion tactics, driving them overseas. They have also driven taxpayers into unprecedented debt while grabbing twice the Pay & benefits of the private sector. Labor is all the workers in America, 90% of whom are NOT union members. Though the corrupt union thugs want the public to think they are "labor". Nonsense!

[maninal2]

01:04 PM on 09/01/2011

How have Unions destroyed manufacturing jobs? How did they use extortion to export their own jobs overseas? How did unions have anything to do with stagnant wages and benefits underlying consumer debt? How did union pay, which today, is still less than private sector counterparts when all factors are considered?

[Sandra Schafer]

12:07 PM on 09/02/2011

You are blaming the wrong people when you think unions are the reason why we're in debt or why jobs are overseas. Why should we hate unions for better paying jobs and benefits? Everyone should have a good paying job with benefits! This is a good thing for all laborers as companies need to offer equal or better pay/benefits to compete.When the public sector is thriving, we all thrive because it's consumers and their demand for products is what create jobs.

[Disketta]

06:11 PM on 08/31/2011

This should be obvious. Republicans are anti-labor, usually. Why let them show up for pro-labor photo ops if they vote against us?

[brayhaven]

07:49 PM on 08/31/2011

Republicans are pro small business which employs 70% of all the labor in America.

[maninal2]

01:05 PM on 09/01/2011

No. If you paid attention you'd see that Republicans are pro big business and use government to enact stifling regulations on small business and restrict small business funding through the SBA in addition to holding up Govt contracts to small businesses.

[Codex Gigas]

01:21 PM on 09/01/2011

Republican­s are pro small business OWNERS, not workers, dunce.

[ssnt]

05:39 PM on 08/31/2011

I heard they were going to make the union pay for the whole parade if they don't let Rs be a part of it. LOL

[somerscollc]

05:24 PM on 08/31/2011

SINCE WHEN IS THE GOOD OLD USA THE USSR????

[BarryChaLaque]

03:24 PM on 08/31/2011

GOOD NEWS.

Lots of news came out of Wisconsin today, all of it bad for union activists. First, as a momentary end to the drama in Wausau, the Marathon County Labor Council has reversed its decision to ban Republicans from the local Labor Day parade:

WSAW-TV says [council president Randy] Radtke released a statement Wednesday which said the Labor Council didn’t want community groups and school bands affected, so Republicans will be allowed in the parade.

In other words: Unions lose in Wisconsin...AGAIN!

GO WALKER! ! !

[BarryChaLaque]

03:33 PM on 08/31/2011

UPDATE: Districts save by changing health plans

Months after the massive protests in Madison ended; school districts are starting to take advantage of their new found flexibility specifically when it comes to health care.

In the past, school boards and unions would have to agree on any changes in benefits. But now that public employee unions can no longer bargain on benefits, schools districts are changing their health insurance plans and saving taxpayers millions.

We surveyed districts across the area and found savings across the board, although in most cases employees will pay more out of pocket.

Pulaski switched from the Wisconsin Counties Association to Arise/WPS and went to a higher deductible plan. Total savings: $513,689.

Howard-Suamico saved $1 million dollars by switching to the Wisconsin Counties Association. The district had been with Wisconsin Education Association Trust or WEA Trust, a health insurance company created 40 years ago by the teachers union.

The Appleton Area School District is staying with WEA Trust but is saving $3.1 million dollars.

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/on_assignment/districts-save-by-changing-health-plans

[Patt Reid]

04:40 PM on 08/31/2011

All the savings in the higher deductible plans lower the cost to the various buyers of the policies, and transfers the additional cost to the employees covered. There is no "real" savings here, there is simply a transfer of expense. The workers lose again. America is becoming a 3rd world country with no regard for its citizenry, one step at a time. The cruelty of this new ruling class is beyond the pale.

[vh47]

10:58 AM on 09/01/2011

The Unions did not lose anything,it was childish to exclude the Repubs.
Their fight isnt about the parade,the Repubs are in because the organizers
were told if they excluded them they would have to pay for it themselves.
The ideal was stupid,there are many who march in the Gay Pride Parade who do not
agree with the LBGT agenda.

[BarryChaLaque]

11:27 AM on 09/01/2011

OK. The unions didn't lose, sure.
Let's just say then that they caved? OK.

Good.

GO WALKER!

[peblejim]

02:40 PM on 08/31/2011

Screw them Labor guys. GOP's are workers too.

[Patriotology]

11:30 AM on 09/01/2011

Then why do they work to repeal minimum wage and worker safety regulations? Oh that's right, because the right is working against their own self-interest. The right wing in this country is like an abusive husband after he's done beating his wife he says I love you. We love workers, here let me strip your rights from you, PS we love the American People and it's workers, let me strip away minimum wage requirements. You all are some sick puppies to hate your own interests so much.

[JBDenver]

01:50 PM on 08/31/2011

I'm a Republican and conservative but I still believe the organizers of the parade have a right to exclude whomever they choose based on standards they believe are consistent with their values...

That being said, I also believe that groups like the Boy Scouts should be able to exercise their rights of inclusion/exclusion based on standards they believe are consistent with their values...

I also believe that churches, synagogues and mosques should be able to conduct themselves and insert leadership based on standards they believe are consistent with their values...

etc., etc, etc,

Rights afforded one group should apply to all.

[airmikee99]

02:36 PM on 08/31/2011

I may not agree with your politics, but I admire your integrity.

[JBDenver]

03:45 PM on 08/31/2011

Thanks.

[Patriotology]

11:34 AM on 08/31/2011

To all those that think this is wrong... Would it be appropriate to have the KKK at a MLK parade? Would it be prudent to have the Neo-Nazis at a Jewish celebration? Would you want Al Quida on an Easter egg hunt? Well you don't want anti-labor at a labor parade. If they want to have a Corporation/Capital day then they should make one and all their corporate anti-union friends can march.

[Rich Cash]

10:50 AM on 08/31/2011

These labor leaders seem more like fascists or communists to me...only their party can attend, no other parties welcome...scary stuff.

[Patriotology]

11:37 AM on 08/31/2011

The question is WHY would an anti-union bunch of folks even want to be at a Labor celebration? GWB didn't let Democrats into his speeches on the stump and his town halls and he's an elected official. Tell you what you go make a holiday that celebrates corporations and Capital, and you can ban the Unions from coming. Until then STHU. Bagger.

[peblejim]

02:41 PM on 08/31/2011

Since when did the Unions take over all the workers and laborers in this country? They haven't and thus they have no right to ban anyone who works in this country from any Labor Day celebrations. This should be investigated by the FBI as harassment.

[JHberger]

05:32 PM on 08/31/2011

Speaking of STHU, the union bosses just shot themselves in the foot by denying access to a publicly funded event. The mayor told them to pony up for the parade expenses if they want to control access. The union turned tail. Hahahahahahah.

[Paul Hoogeveen]

01:14 PM on 08/31/2011

Any more scary that the far right wanting to entirely radicate the left? The problem isn't labor -- it's extremism on both ends of the political spectrum dominating public and political debate while comon sense compromise gets thrown out the window.

[Rich Cash]

07:28 PM on 08/31/2011

Absolutely not...I couldn't agree more. The far right mounts campaigns to irradicate the left, and the left tries to get all right wing radio commentators banned....I'm glad to see another moderate commenting on HP. We're few and far between, my friend...lol

[adarps5]

10:10 AM on 08/31/2011

Congressman Duffy was just recently whining to people in his district about how hard it is to live on his congressional pay----$174,000.

[Bill Koehne]

09:48 AM on 08/31/2011

When labor council president Mark Westphal said? “Either you are with us or against us. It is time to recognize friends and enemies” and bans republicans from the labor day event. It is they making themselves the enemy.

There are many more reasons not to vote democrat then just union.

How typically liberal to say “they were not invited” by Radtke. The reality, it is a ban and declaration of enemies. A sad day for Wisconsin in creating even harder partisan lines.

[Patriotology]

11:40 AM on 08/31/2011

OFFS you guys just don't get it do you? Republicans liek to have it both ways, they say they support the "people" then turn around and stab them in the back. We are fed up. You don't get to PRETEND to care about working folks anymore. If you cared you baggers would do something constructive instead of always saying no, repeal, go back, take away. Never anything put forward, adding, helping make America greater or better. Prove you have a soul and we'll treat you like you have one, until then words are just words.

[airmikee99]

02:37 PM on 08/31/2011

Yeah, it's all the liberals fault. The Republicans can't be blamed for causing the partisanship in the first place by stripping workers of their rights. It's all the liberals fault!

/facepalm