Capitol Chaos: Unions Lay Strike Groundwork

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A labor group that represents 45,000 unionized state workers is laying groundwork for a strike if Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill is passed that eliminates most bargaining rights for the majority of state employees.

Delegates to the six-county South Central Federation of Labor of Wisconsin say they are preparing for a strike even if unions in other parts of Wisconsin or the country don't participate.

Federation president Jim Cavanaugh says the group voted this week to endorse work stoppages by union and non-union workers nationally. Federation delegate Tony Schaeve tells the State Journal that a strike could affect schools, governments and private businesses, but crucial services wouldn't be interrupted.

Walker's bill has resulted in nine days of protests at the state Capitol and caused Democratic senators to leave the state, stalling action on the legislation.

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Raw Video:
• Gov. Walker's 'Fireside Chat'
• Democratic Response

Related Content:
• Assembly Debates Budget Bill
• Officials Asked To Approve Layoff Notices
• Caller Pranks Walker
• Local Officials To Battle Bill
• Senators Away for 6th Day
• Unions Lay Strike Groundwork
• L.A. Union Members Join Protests
• Senate Dems Not Deterred
• Constituents React
• Former Packer Brown at Capitol
• Irish Band Pens Protest Song
• Assembly Votes Down Amendments
• Paycheck Changes for Missing Senators
• Senate Committee Passes Voter ID Bill
• State Investigates Doctor's Notes

TODAY'S TMJ4 I-Team: Buried in the Bill
• Part 1
• Part 2

Live video:
• Click here to watch the debate live

More: 
• Click here to read the original budget bill
The State Journal's report can be found at: http://bit.ly/g4jjlG
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Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, http://www.madison.com/wsj

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)