State employees rally in Traverse City
TRAVERSE CITY -- The showdown between unions and state lawmakers spread to the streets of Traverse City Monday.
In a scene reminiscent to Wisconsin and Ohio, more than a hundred state workers, teachers, and retirees filled the sidewalks in front of the Grand Traverse County Department of Human Services. The DHS site was chosen because it has one of the largest UAW labor forces in the area.
Amanda Sweet, a protestor, says "We're just coming out and taking a stance that we can't keep giving. The public is going to suffer."
Ray Holman, the Legislative Liaison for UAW 9000 says, “Enough is enough. We're fighting back and we're standing up for collective bargaining rights and working families."
In an effort to balance the state budget, Governor Rick Snyder is asking for $180 million from state workers, money that will have to come from their salaries and benefits. Lawmakers who support the governor’s plan say it’s time for union pay and healthcare plans to be in line with the private sector.
Representative Frank Foster, (R)-Michigan 107th District says, “This is about getting our spending in control, balancing our budgets so we can start creating jobs.“
Demonstrators say they’ve already made sacrifices, and they’re worried that if Republicans have their way they’ll also pass bills that will take away collective bargaining rights.
