Friday, February 18, 2011

A Statement from AFSCME Wisconsin Council 24 Executive Director Martin Biel

For Immediate Release
Contact: Bob Allen
February 18, 2011 608-206-9535


This week, Wisconsinites gathered across the state to stop the attacks on the rights of nurses, teachers, EMTs and other public employees ‐ the same rights that nearly every other American enjoys.

We have said all along that we are willing to sit down with the Governor to address our budget challenges. Let me be even more clear today: We are prepared to implement the financial concessions proposed to help bring our state's budget into balance, but we will not be denied our God‐given right to join a real union.

For us, public service isn't about money. No one ever said "I want to be a nurse to get rich." Or "I want to be a teacher so I can buy a huge house on the lake." Being a public employee is about sacrificing to help improve the lives of our friends, family and neighbors.

We will meet the Governor half way. But we will not ‐ I repeat we will NOT ‐ be denied our rights to collectively bargain. We will not under any circumstances give up our freedom to join a real union.

Our voice has been heard in every corner of this nation. And it will continue to be heard until the Governor sits down with us with the true interests of the state and the rights of its citizens at heart.

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