For Immediate Release
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
AFSCME Wisconsin: Fight for Worker Rights Goes On
Madison, Wis. —AFSCME leaders in Wisconsin say their movement remains strong and energized, despite Scott Walker’s successful $50 million defense of his radical record. Sen.-elect John Lehman’s victory also puts the state Senate into Democratic hands, creating an important check on Scott Walker’s anti-worker agenda.
“Since Scott Walker launched his attack on working families, our members have pulled together like never before. We’ve made many friends, built many bridges and created new coalitions. Walker and his billionaire backers might have made it through this election, but they face an energized and united opposition that is not going away,” said Rick Badger, executive director of AFSCME Council 40.
The leaders say this election clearly shows the danger of the Citizens United decision, which allowed unlimited corporate dollars to pour into Wisconsin.
“We may not have been able to overcome nearly $50 million in spending from the other side, but this election was just another step in a long march to restore worker freedom inWisconsin. It also sends a signal across the land that working families can take nothing for granted in a political system awash with corporate cash,” said Marty Beil, executive director of AFSCME Council 24.
AFSCME began in Wisconsin nearly 80 years ago and has grown to 1.6 million strong nationwide. It will remain a force in Wisconsin long after Scott Walker is gone from office.
“We’re disappointed in Tuesday’s result, but we’re also inspired by the historic movement we’ve seen rise up in Wisconsin. Last spring, Walker and his legislative followers were able to jam through their radicalagenda unchecked. Today, we have a pro-worker state Senate, a federal court ruling that undoes some of the damage, and an energized opposition that is organized like never before. We live to fight another day,” said Rich Abelson, executive director of AFSCME Council 48.
