And they are telling membership it is a victory:
"Unions have tried to put a positive spin on the developments.... portray[ing] the Senate plan as a victory in an e-mail to members.... casting a positive light on a plan that many union members would have railed against only weeks ago.... proudly declared [they] had won the day."
You know, I expect the state and corporate media to lie to me; however, when it comes from the colleges and unions it really is over.
Let us not pretend anymore: Corporate cash is king in Massachusetts.
"Unions soften tone on health; Put positive spin on Senate plan; bill aims to cut municipal costs" May 25, 2011|By Noah Bierman, Globe Staff
Massachusetts labor leaders have given up their full-throated battle to protect certain collective bargaining rights amid an increasing likelihood that the Legislature will empower local governments to raise the health insurance costs of teachers, firefighters, and other municipal employees.
What makes you guys think it is going to stop there?
Today, the Senate is to open debate on a state budget that includes a proposal, long sought by mayors and other local officials, to allow them to shift workers into less expensive health plans, even if unions oppose the changes.
A month ago, before the House overwhelmingly approved a similar measure, labor leaders ran dramatic radio ads, held protests at the State House, and threatened to oust lawmakers. The standoff, they said, was a historic effort to ensure Massachusetts did not slide toward the tougher measures imposed in Wisconsin, Ohio, and elsewhere.
And then they quite tugging on the rope?
Related: New Rules For Unions in Massachusetts
Mass. House Worse Than Wisconsin
Massachusetts did NOT exempt cops and firefighters in attempt to further sow civil division. They decided to screw you all, neighbor.
But now, as the Senate prepares to debate its bill, unions have issued a conciliatory press release, and tried to put a positive spin on the developments.
The changed tactics reflect shifting political ground and a tacit acknowledgement that their earlier hardball tactics did not work....
In DEEP BLUE Massachusetts??
And after the Republican takeover all I'm seeing is RED!!!
Service Employees International Union Local 888 portrayed the Senate plan as a victory in an e-mail to members last Thursday, a day after the measure was released, casting a positive light on a plan that many union members would have railed against only weeks ago.
The union proudly declared that the 700 letters its members sent to state senators had won the day.
“Our efforts paid off!’’ union leaders wrote in bright-red boldface. The newsletter said the bill was not perfect, but praised the Senate version for “preserving our fundamental collective bargaining rights.’’
As they take it away!!
What this proves is that LABOR LEADERS ONLY CARE about PRESERVING THEIR POSITION of POWER!
They have really become as BAD as the BOSSES!!
Just KEEP SENDING in those DUES (taxes)!
Bruce T. Boccardy, president of the union, said he still believes all three proposals are part of a fundamental attack on health care for working people.
He described his praise for the Senate bill as a practical move.
“Pragmatically, considering the climate, considering the anti-union hysteria that’s out there,’’ the Senate version does much more than the House to at least preserve the principle of collective bargaining, he said.
Where? I have backed them on this blog and people turned out in the streets! Polls have shown the American people are behind their neighbor the cop, fireman, and teacher. What anti-union hysteria is this guy talking about? There is anti-government and anti-Wall Street "hysteria" out there, and no one in positions of power seem to give a f*** about that!
Other leaders have been reluctant to talk about the issue of late. The president of the AFL-CIO, Robert J. Haynes, who offered the most impassioned arguments and threats when the House passed its measure last month, has made no public statements about the Senate bill, and his spokesman declined a request to speak for this report.
A coalition including the SEIU, the AFL-CIO, and the two statewide teachers unions put out a joint statement praising the Senate for its “thoughtful approach’’ to “this complex issue’’ and offering to work with senators.
If you guys don't care then I give up.
Why waste time defending people who won't defend themselves?
Business groups and city and town officials, who favor both the House and Senate versions of the plan, applauded them for attempting to curb collective bargaining and help managers control costs....
Oh, the BUSINESS and POLITICAL PUKES are HAPPY, huh?
I guess that is ALL THAT MATTERS here in DEMOCRAT Massachusetts!!!
Oh, I know, I know, it would be WORSE under Republicans!
Yes, THANK GOD Democrats are in control! They will certainly save us all.
Last month, after DeLeo released his proposal, labor leaders stood in his office, angrily demanding a meeting.
Related:
"Nine of the state’s most influential union chiefs stormed into House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo’s office two weeks ago, fuming at the powerful Democrat’s plan to curb bargaining rights for police officers, teachers, and other municipal workers. The speaker let them stew in his gilded waiting room for 45 minutes. Finally, an aide popped his head out: “He’ll see you for about 90 seconds.’’
Translation: F*** YOU!
But a day after Murray’s plan came out last week, she said she had heard from no one.
In a move that may have helped deflate labor opposition, Murray chose a senator with strong union backing, Katherine Clark of Melrose, to lead the effort to write the Senate bill.
Does it make a difference if it is a friend shoving the knife in the back, membership?
I guess a loving stab is better, right?
The governor, who has tried to promote his relationship with unions nationally even as he aims to curb health costs for cities and towns, said Monday that he preferred the Senate bill as well, arguing that it gives workers more of a voice than the House version.
Related: Patrick Punches Unions Below Belt
Of course, he never did need you.
“I said at the time I thought some of the rhetoric after the House action was inflated,’’ Patrick said. “This is not Wisconsin. That bill is not Wisconsin. The Senate comes a little closer to what we had in mind in our original proposal in terms of the role of labor, having an opportunity to be at the table and negotiate around these issues.’’
No, as noted above, it is WORSE!!!
But then again, I expect lying from the agenda-pushing governor draped in Democrat clothing.
--more--"
That's a little tougher to take.
Related:
"Legislators also agreed last week to change legal language in the recently passed sales tax hike to assure credit agencies that $100 million earmarked for the Turnpike Authority would go toward paying off Big Dig debt"
Also see:
Memory Hole: Massachusetts' State Budget
Mass. State Budget: Screwing Cities and Towns
Uniting With Hollywood
Oh, but the state had $82 million to hand profitable Hollywood last year?
Just wanted you to see where all the money is going, fellow citizens and taxpayers.
