A coalition of Virginia labor groups and activists are criticizing Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell for his support of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in his ongoing standoff with public sector unions in that state.
The groups, which include the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter and the Virginia AFL-CIO, wrote that they were “deeply concerned” about McDonnell’s expressed support for Walker.
“We are embarrassed that our Governor, Bob McDonnell, would support Gov. Walker’s shameful actions and would oppose the hardworking nurses, firefighters and teachers that keep our nation going,” said Sandra Cook, chairwoman of Virginia Organizing.
But McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin hit back, saying that in the letter, “politically motivated union leaders are defending the unsustainable and reckless spending policies and programs that threaten our nation’s economy.”
“The future well-being of American workers and families depends on our ability to boldly reduce government spending and reform our pension and entitlement programs today,” Martin said. “This will require everyone doing their part, so everyone can benefit in the years ahead… Governor McDonnell is leading this effort in Virginia, and Governor Walker is doing the same in Wisconsin. It’s what voters made clear at the polls last November that they wanted to see occur at all levels of government.”
