Tomorrow the Arizona State Legislature will annouce new laws gutting the ability for public sector unions to do pretty much anything, going beyond moves made by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to limit collective bargain rights of unions in his state, saving taxpayers millions.
According to the Arizona Republic:
The bills would:
-Make it illegal for government bodies to collectively bargain with employee groups. Public safety unions would be included in the ban.
--End the practice of automatic payroll deductions for union dues.
--Ban compensation of public employees for union work.Coupled with Gov. Jan Brewer's plan to do away with civil-service protections for state employees, the new legislation could make Arizona ground zero for union protests during this election year.
The Goldwater Institute worked with state lawmakers to draw up the bills. The libertarian think tank has churned out research and reports over the past few years highlighting what it views as excesses in public-sector employment.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was the guest of honor at Goldwater's annual dinner last November. Walker had some advice for Arizona legislators when I interviewed him on "Sunday Square Off."
Buckle your seatbelts folks.