While much of the news of the protests occurring in Wisconsin have focused on the public unions, private unions also have a stake in the bill. One such group, the United Transportation Union whose members include workers for the semi-private Amtrak rail service, unofficially supports the people taking place in today’s protest.
Speaking to The Examiner the state’s Legislative Director said that UTU was standing in solidarity with the protesters, even if it wasn’t official business. The LD also said “if anyone asked me about it I would tell them to support [the rally]” adding that the bill could have a negative effect on UTU.
However, that doesn’t mean the union was wholeheartedly participating in the protest. The LD estimated that a “small percentage” of members were joining the march, but that most of the members were still at work doing their jobs.
The public union strikes in Wisconsin have already had an effect on the state, with several school districts closed down due to teachers picketing the state capital.
