The battle over collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin

Massive crowds gather to see the 14 democratic senators that left the state to protest the bill proposed by the Gov. Scott Walker as crowds continued to protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison Wisconsin March 12, 2011. The House and Senate approved the restrictions on collective bargaining by public employees that Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) has insisted are needed for the state and local governments deal with projected budget gaps. REUTERS/Darren Hauck (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS)

Democratic Senator Lena Taylor (R) and civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson Jr. greet the crowd as they and the other Wisconsin State democratic senators that left the state to protest the bill proposed by the Gov. Scott Walker return to massive crowds that continue to protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison March 12, 2011. The House and Senate approved the restrictions on collective bargaining by public employees that Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) has insisted are needed for the state and local governments deal with projected budget gaps. REUTERS/Darren Hauck (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 11: Republican Wisconsin State Legislatures look on as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker performs a ceremonial bill signing outside his office at the Wisconsin State Capitol on March 11, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Gov. Walker signed his controversial budget repair bill into law on Friday as angry pro-union activists continued to demonstrate at the Wisconsin State Capitol. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 11: Protestors shout outside the office of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker as he held a ceremonial bill-signing where he signed a copy of the budget repair bill March 11, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. The bill essentially eliminates collective bargaining rights for public union workers except on wage issues. Thousands of protestors have gathered at the Capitol for the past three weeks hoping to see the bill killed. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***

MADISON, WI - MARCH 10: Protestors hold wooden letters that spell the word \"shame\" in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol on March 10, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Thousands of demonstrators continue to protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol as the Wisconsin House voted to pass the state's controversial budget bill one day after Wisconsin Republican Senators voted to curb collective bargaining rights for public union workers in a surprise vote with no Democrats present. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R) makes the argument to pass the budget repair bill before the State Assembly in the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin March 10, 2011. REUTERS/Allen Fredrickson (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 10: Spectators in the gallery of the Wisconsin assembly chambers chant \"shame\" in protest after the House voted to pass the state's controversial budget bill in the Wisconsin assembly chamber on March 10, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Thousands of demonstrators continue to protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol as the Wisconsin House voted to pass the state's controversial budget bill one day after Wisconsin Republican Senators voted to curb collective bargaining rights for public union workers in a surprise vote with no Democrats present. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Democratic Rep. Jon Richards yells after a vote was cast in the Wisconsin Assembly chambers Thursday, March 10, 2011, in Madison, Wis. The state's Assembly passed Republican Gov. Scott Walker's explosive proposal 53-42. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 10: Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Hulsey (D-WI) flashes the peace sign after the House voted to pass the state's controversial budget bill in the Wisconsin assembly chamber on March 10, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Thousands of demonstrators continue to protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol as the Wisconsin House voted to pass the state's controversial budget bill one day after Wisconsin Republican Senators voted to curb collective bargaining rights for public union workers in a surprise vote with no Democrats present. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The statue \"Forward\" displays a new sign at the State Capitol in Madison, Wis., the day after the Senate passed the governor's controversial budget repair bill, Thursday, March 10, 2011, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, Steve Apps)

Erving Smith, of Madison, Wis., shouts at law enforcement personnel after he was slightly injured while being carried out of the Assembly Room lobby Thursday, March 10, 2011, in Madison. Tensions have flared after Republican senators passed an amended version of the controversial bill which largely strips collective bargaining for public employees. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, John Hart)

epa02625896 Protesters get kicked out by police from the Wisconsin state assembly chamber as they try to block access to the chambers in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, 10 March 2011. The Wisconsin Senate has passed legislation to eliminate nearly all collective bargaining rights of public workers after amending a revenue bill to eliminate the need for a quorum. Senate Democrats fled the state three weeks ago to prevent voting on the bill. The collective bargaining aspect of the bill was removed from the revenue bill. EPA/CARLOS JAVIER ORTIZ

Wisconsin Rep. Cory Mason, center, D-Racine, talks to protesters in the rotunda of the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, March 9, 2011, after demonstrators retook the Capitol building. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kensoha, center, calls an impromptu news conference Wednesday, March 9, 2011, after Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate voted to strip nearly all collective bargaining rights from public workers after discovering a way to bypass the chamber's missing Democrats. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Tears roll down the face of Liz Sanger of Madison, Wis., after the state Senate passed the budget repair bill following a meeting of a state Legislature conference committee at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday evening, March 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, M.P. King)

Wisconsin Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, is escorted out of the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, March 9, 2011, after Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate voted to strip nearly all collective bargaining rights from public workers after discovering a way to bypass the chamber's missing Democrats. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Opponents of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill deride legislators as they leave the senate parlor at the Wisconsin State Capitol Building where the Senate voted to move forward on an amended version of the controversial bill Wednesday, March 9, 2011. The new version, which largely strips public employees of collective bargaining rights, awaits a House vote Thursday. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, John Hart)

After a protester outside threw a snowball hitting a window at the state Capitol, State Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink, D-Milladore, implores protesters to remain peaceful during a press conference of Democratic state Assembly members after the state Senate passed the budget repair bill following a meeting of a state Legislature conference committee at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday evening, March 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, M.P. King)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 08: Helmut Kenies of the Wisconsin Historical Society sifts through hundreds of signs that were removed from the Wisconsin State Capitol on March 8, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Posters that were left behind by demostrators that occupied the Wisconsin State Capitol were collected and are being made available for people to claim them until this Friday. Posters that are not claimed will be gone through and select ones will be acquired by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 05: Filmmaker Michael Moore speaks to a crowd during a large march and rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol on March 5, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Thousands of demonstrators are staging a protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol against Governor Scott Walker's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers in the state. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 04: Union members protest inside the Wisconsin State Capitol on March 4, 2011 in Madison,Wisconsin. Some demonstrators have returned to the capitol building hours after they were forced to vacate the building after occupying it for more than two weeks to protest Governor Scott Walker's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers in the state. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 04: Republican Wisconsin State Senator Glenn Grothman (C) talks with Mark Dziedzic (L) and Jeff Dziedzic inside the Wisconsin State Capitol on March 4, 2011 in Madison,Wisconsin. Some demonstrators have returned to the capitol building hours after they were forced to vacate the building after occupying it for more than two weeks to protest Governor Scott Walker's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers in the state. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Wisconsin Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kensoha, celebrates with other law makers and protesters outside of the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 3, 2011, after a judge ordered the Department of Administration to open the Capitol to normal business hours starting Monday, March 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 03: A police officer blocks an entrance of the Wisconsin State Capitol on March 3, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. A Wisconsin judge has ordered all of the pro-union protesters to leave the Wisconsin State Capitol after they had camped out inside the building for two weeks. The judge also ruled that the state had violated the public's free speech and assembly rights by restricting its access to the building. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Protesters celebrate as they walk outside of the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, March 3, 2011, after a judge ordered the Department of Administration to open the Capitol to normal business hours starting Monday, March 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Protesters wake-up outside of the state Capitol, Thursday, March 3, 2011, in Madison, Wis., after sleeping the night. Opponents to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are in their 16th day of protests. The Wisconsin Department of Administration officials shut the doors to many protesters and some chose to sleep outside. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Wisconsin State representative Fred Clark (L) meets with constituents at his desk outside the capitol building March 2, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Clark and several other Democrat members of the assembly moved their offices outside the building because of the difficulties the public was having entering the building which has been essentially locked down to prevent protestors from spending the night inside. Demonstrators have occupied the capitol building and marched outside during round-the-clock demonstrations for more than two weeks, protesting Governor Scott Walker's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers in the state. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 01: Demonstrators protest in a hallway below the assembly chamber where Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was delivering his budget address to a joint session of the legislature at the capitol March 1, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Demonstrators have occupied the capitol building and marched outside during round-the-clock demonstrations for the past 15 days protesting Walker's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers in the state. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***

Union Iron Worker Randy Bryce of Milwaukee holds up a court order to open the doors of the state Capitol in front of police officers in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, March 1, 2011. Opponents to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are in the 14th day of protests . (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Opponents to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers protest at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Tuesday, March 1, 2011. Protesters have occupied the Capitol for 14 days. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

MADISON, WI - MARCH 01: Democrats remain seated as Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker arrives to deliver his budget address to a joint session of the legislature at the capitol March 1, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Demonstrators have occupied the capitol building and marched outside during round-the-clock demonstrations for the past 15 days protesting Walker's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers in the state. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Damon Terrrell speaks to protesters at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011. Protests to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are in their 13th day at the Capitol. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Opponents to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers protest outside of the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011. Union supporters are on 12th day of protests at the Capitol. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Rally supporters hang an American flag from fourth floor windows of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building as thousands of opponents of Governor Scott Walker's budget repair bill gather for ongoing protests inside and outside the State Capitol Building in Madison, Wisconsin Saturday, February 26, 2011. (AP Photos/Wisconsin State Journal, John Hart)

epa02601849 Protesters gather after the SABB11 bill was passed early this morning in the state assembly In Madison, Wisconsin, USA, on 25 February 2011. Protestors have occupied the state capitol for the past 11 days protesting the governor's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers. EPA/CARLOS JAVIER ORTIZ

Protesters who identified themselves as Kenosha city and county workers continue to rally as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's plane flies away following his news conference about his budget repair bill at the Kenosha Airport in Kenosha, Wis., Friday, Feb. 25, 2011. Walker called on the missing Democratic state senators, including Kenosha's Robert Wirch, to return to the Capitol. (AP Photo/The Journal Times, Mark Hertzberg)

MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 25: Messages left by supporters protesting in the state capitol are stuck on the office entrance of Wisconsin State Assemblyman Brett Hulsey on February 25, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Demonstrators have occupied the capitol building for the past 11 days protesting the governor's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers. Early this morning the state assembly passed the bill. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Ryan Eykholt, 15, of Madison, Wis., plays \"This Land Is Your Land\" during protest at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, over the governor's proposed budget. Protests to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are in their 11th day at the Capitol. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

State Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee) and other Assembly Democrats approach the front of the chamber in outrage as their Republican counterparts cut off debate and voted on the budget repair bill in session at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/M.P. King, Wisconsin State Journal)

Protester Bridgette O'Brien, of Elroy, Wis., does a morning routine of yoga at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday, Feb. 25, 2011. Protests to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are in their 11th day at the Capitol. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Escorted by law enforcement officers, Assembly Republicans exit the state Capitol after cutting off debate and rapidly voting to pass a controversial budget repair bill in the state Assembly in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/M.P. King, Wisconsin State Journal)

Assembly Democrats wave to protesters, thanking them, even after Republicans cut off debate and rapidly voted to pass a controversial budget repair bill in the state Assembly at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., early Friday morning, Feb. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/M.P. King, Wisconsin State Journal)

Wisconsin Reps. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, left, and Donna Seidel, D-Wausau, walk to the governor's office at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. Opponents to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are in their tenth day of protests. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

In this photo taken Feb. 24, 2011, Wisconsin Democratic state Sens. Tim Cullen, left, and Robert Jauch leave a home in Woodstock, Ill. The senators have been in Illinois after leaving Wisconsin and stopping a vote on proposed bill that will take away public workers' collective bargaining rights. Illinois, known for its wayward politicians and back-door political dealings, is in the odd position of having become the Switzerland on the Prairie as lawmakers fleeing votes in Wisconsin and Indiana take refuge in its borders. (AP Photo/Northwest Herald, Lauren M. Anderson) CHICAGO LOCALS OUT

Opponents of the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers sleep on the floor of the rotunda at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, at the start of the tenth day of protests at the Capitol. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 24: Wisconsin State representatives start to fade as they listen to arguments on one of the expected 200 amendments to Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill in the early morning hours on February 24, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Protestors have occupied the capitol building for the past nine days protesting the governor's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 23: A protestor sleeps on the floor in the state capitol on February 23, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Protestors have occupied the state capitol for the past nine days protesting the governor's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 23: Protestors sleep in the rotunda of the state capitol on February 23, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Protestors have occupied the state capitol for the past nine days protesting the governor's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Democratic and Republican assembly members rise before the start of a session in Madison, Wisconsin February 22, 2011. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker on Monday urged 14 Democratic state senators who left the state rather than vote on a bill that takes away bargaining rights for state workers to return to work, but warned a big budget deficit left no room to negotiate. REUTERS/Darren Hauck (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS)

Teamsters President James Hoffa speaks at a rally in the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011, on the ninth day of protests over the governor's proposal to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker pauses for a moment in the governor conference room at the State Capital to give a fireside chat in Madison February 22, 2011. Walker gave the chat to explain his budget repair bill which has gotten so much attention. REUTERS/ Tom Lynn/ Pool (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS)

A man sits surrounded by protester signs on day eight of protests against the budget cuts proposed by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (Rep.) at the state Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin February 22, 2011. The Wisconsin state Assembly on Tuesday opened debate on a Republican proposal to curb the power of public sector unions that has sparked mass demonstrations and a tense stand-off with Democrats. REUTERS/Darren Hauck (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)

Protesters walk outside the state Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, in Madison, Wis. Opponents to Governor Scott Walker's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are taking part in their eighth day of protesting.

Opponents of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's budget bill sleep in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, John Hart)

John Henneman, left, and Dan Kuhl, right, teachers from Wisconsin Rapids, protest Monday night, Feb. 21, 2011 outside the King Street entrance to the Capitol in Madison, Wis. No resolution appeared imminent Monday to the stalemate over union rights in Wisconsin, leaving Senate Republicans resigned to forge ahead with less-controversial business such as tax breaks for dairy farmers and commending the Green Bay Packers on winning the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, Steve Apps)

A protestor gestures at the Capitol building, after a week's mass protest against a proposed bill by Republican Governor Scott Walker, in Madison, Wisconsin February 21, 2011. Wisconsin Governor Walker, whose bid to reduce public employee union bargaining power has triggered public protests, said on Sunday he expected Democrats who oppose his plan to return to the state and debate the issue this week. REUTERS/Darren Hauck (UNITED STATES - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS)

Kathryn Schulze wears a message written on tape over her mouth inside the state Capitol Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Madison, Wis. Opponents to Governor Scott Walker's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are taking part in their seventh day of protesting. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Protesters rest inside the State Capitol Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Madison, Wis. Opponents to Governor Scott Walker's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are taking part in their seventh day of protesting. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Arnold Chevalier, left, of Stoughton, Wis., shouts iinside the State Capitol Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Madison, Wis. Opponents to Governor Scott Walker's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers are taking part in their seventh day of protesting. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 21: State Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) speaks to Democratic Senators via telephone during a meeting of the committee for Senate Organization inside the Wisconsin State Capitol February 21, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin. With state Democrats still in hiding over the legislation proposed by Republican Gov. Scott Walker to restrict collective bargaining for public workers, the two sides communicated via conference call to discuss matters for future business. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***

About 30 members of the AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, stand at the driveway entrance to State Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, at 960 Rock Ridge Road, on Saturday, February 19, 2011, to protest Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker's Budget Repair bill that would essentially strip collective bargaining rights from selected public employees. Vos is co-chair of the Wisconsin State Legislature's Joint Finance Committee, which passed Gov. Walker's bill on Thursday. The Budget Repair bill has yet to be decisively voted on in the State Assembly, and has yet to be voted on in the State Senate. (AP Photo/The Journal Times, Scott Anderson)

Protestors take a moment to rest inside a bus shelter as crowds continue to gather at the State Capitol grounds, while members of the Wisconsin state government discuss the proposed bill by Republican Governor Scott Walker in Madison, February 19, 2011. Supporters of the legislation to reduce public employee union bargaining power and benefits in Wisconsin were far outnumbered by opponents on Saturday, as the two sides shouted competing slogans under clear skies. REUTERS/Darren Hauck (UNITED STATES - Tags: EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS CIVIL UNREST POLITICS)

Democratic Wisconsin Assembly members cheer on the crowd on the fourth day of large scale protests outside of the State Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday, Feb. 18, 2011. Union members, students and others have been protesting the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Teacher Nicole North Hester, right, cries and applauds as union iron workers pass by during the fourth day of large demonstrations at the State Capitol in Madison, Wis., Friday, Feb. 18, 2011. Union members, students and others have been protesting the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Two protestors put up a sign at the State Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, that reads \"Run Dems Run\" in support of 14 state Senators that have left the state in opposition to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)