Watch CBS News

AFL-CIO Says Unions Won't Stop Fighting Wis. Bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- AFL-CIO leaders say union members in Wisconsin will keep fighting against proposed anti-union legislation, even if it passes.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said Friday that workers won't stop organizing in the streets, and will certainly make their voices heard at the ballot box.

Tens of thousands of protesters have descended on the Capitol in Madison to oppose the bill. They're chanting, beating drums and waving signs criticizing Gov. Scott Walker.

The Republican governor wants to remove collective bargaining rights from most public employees. Republican lawmakers say they have enough votes to pass the bill, but Senate Democrats left the Capitol to prevent a vote from being taken.

Trumka says it's important that unions never give up. He says they're the last line of defense against corporations that are already too powerful.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.