Wisconsin's Walker Set To Win In Recall Effort

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Many of us who strongly support unions, union workers and collective bargaining in the United States are sitting on the edge of our seat as we await the decision of the Wisconsin voter today, Tuesday, June 5.  Some believe that the recall vote will portend the result of the State of Wisconsin come November when Barack Obama faces off against Mitt Romney.  For sure, more is at stake than the recall of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.  The essence of the labor movement of America may be changed forever depending upon the vote of the good people of Wisconsin. 



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Most Democrats would agree with the conservatives of the Republican party that the labor movement in the nation has led to many abuses, fanciful health care and wage deals and in some instances unchecked power.  At the same time, labor unions have accomplished much for the American worker including a fair working wage, the work week and standards of health and safety in the workplace.  Wisconsin's new laws seem more designed to destroy collective bargaining and the labor unions in the process. 

Somewhere between Walker's Wisconsin's laws and the power of the unions, a middle ground should be found and established.  Unfortunately, the recall vote in Wisconsin will not allow for such a fair and equal negotiation or compromise between both sides.  Everyone understands that the unions must cede some of their current benefits and wages.  They must for local and state governments to overcome the indebtedness that plagues nearly every municipality and state government across the land.  However, Wisconsin's efforts to curb collective bargaining goes way too far.

Walker's mistake was not trying to find middle ground with the union and their leaders.  Wisconsin labor unions were willing to compromise and make concessions but Walker would not hear of it.  For Walker, it was "my way or the highway."  Not particularly the best way to work with others.  Pro-union forces were able to collect twice the amount of signatures of Wisconsin voters than required by law.

The polls have Walker winning this recall election by about 5% of the vote.  For many Wisconsin voters, they appreciate the potential savings for local and state government with Walker's laws yet favor the collective bargaining process.  A real dilemma for upwards of 15-20 percent of Wisconsin voters. 

One has to question whether it is appropriate to recall a governor over such an issue.  It seems such a waste of time and money.  Of course, most of the money in this election is once again funded by the many Super PACS that have their own agenda.  No question where the business sector is on this very issue. 

Walker will win on Tuesday and hold onto his governorship.  Labor unions will lose considerable clout.  Pundits will foretell that President Obama will suffer greatly from the failed recall.  The real loser will be the American worker.