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- Walker Won In Wisconsin, But So Did Labor
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- Dick Meister
Although labor lost its attempt to recall Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, it laid the groundwork for future campaigns that could result in important labor victories.
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Piece Description
Although labor lost its attempt to recall Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, it laid the groundwork for future campaigns that could result in important labor victories.
Broadcast History
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Transcript
Yes, labor lost in its attempt to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, one of the most virulent labor opponents anywhere. But as AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka declared, the heated election campaign was "not the end of the story, but just the beginning."
The campaign, triggered by Walker all but eliminating the collective bargaining rights of most Wisconsin public employees, showed that labor is quite capable of mounting major drives against anti-labor politicians. That's a lesson that won't be lost on unions or their opponents.
And labor's political enemies, while perhaps emboldened by labor's failure in Wisconsin, undoubtedly will hesitate, lest they also face heavy union opposition in their attempts to restrict the bargaining rights of public employees.
Think of it: Labor was outspent hugely by outside corporate interests that funneled $50 million into Walker's campaign, outsp...
Read the full transcript
Intro and Outro
INTRO:Commentator Dick Meister says labor has shown important political strength.
OUTRO:Dick Meister is a longtime labor and political journalist.
