Rejected

Ohio Governor John Kasich made passage of Senate Bill 5 (his signature law restricting public sector employees collective bargaining rights and the right to strike) his first priority after the Republican sweep in the 2010 elections. The reaction by labor and its allies has been swift and overwhelming. They gathered almost a million signatures to place a referendum on the ballot. Yesterday the repeal referendum (in which a yes vote was a vote for SB 5) was defeated resoundingly. Governor Kasich seems to understand.

Ohio collective bargaining law jeopardized

This fall's election cycle has little of note (unless you think Gov. Jindal's 66% win is underwhelming against a field of under financed, under knowns). There is one contest in Ohio, however, that is worth noting. Its the attempt to undo Gov. Kasich's limits on collective bargaining rights for public employees in the state. Current polling has the repeal forces optimistic. This election is seen as a harbinger of the 2012 presidential race in a crucial state.

Recalls fall short

Looks like the Republicans will hold control of the Wisconsin Senate, losing only 2 of the three seats the Democrats needed to take over. This proxy war over public sector collective bargaining rights has been bruising and expensive.

Round one to Governor Walker

In a 4-3 decision, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin has given the Governor a win in his war on public sector unions. The decision overturns the trial court invalidation of the legislation. Previous post here.

Wisconsin law voided by Court

A state circuit court in Wisconsin has voided the controversial law repealing collective bargaining for public employees -  because the legislature allegedly violated the state's open meetings law. This issue will ultimately make it to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Journal-Sentinel has a good article giving context to the ruling.

More from Cheeseland and beyond

Here's another interesting post (pro-labor) about the Wisconsin protests. Randy Shaw's take is less positive, and starkly critical of the current administration fumbling the mandate of 2008. While another pro-labor site Labornotes reports on public sector labor unrest in Indiana and Ohio. And the Newspaper Guild notes a broadening nationwide awakening, and a funny graphic.