Free Republic

WASHINGTON — Government workers in the state of Washington are being hit with a tough choice — if they want to keep their jobs, they have to join the union or pay a hefty union fee. "I don't like being forced. I don't like being told either join the union or I lose my job," said state employee Sharon Mathews. The Personnel Reform Act passed in 2002 gives managers more flexibility in hiring, firing and outsourcing. It also allowed the workers union to bargain directly with the governor on provisions of their contracts. After taking office this year, Democratic Gov....

A local State Troopers union president has decided to start something reminiscent of an "enemies list" and sent it out to all his State Trooper union members. Public enemy number one? Apparently the Taxpayers League of Minnesota.Perhaps I'm being paranoid when a State Trooper in a position of influence over other State Troopers compares a group I personally associate with to violent criminals hiding behind misleading rhetoric. But then again, perhaps I'm not the paranoid one here. Corporal Jensen's remarks darkly suggest a police organization being incited to intimidate those who do not toe their desired political line. Allow me...

"Q: I'm curious as to what kind of responses you have been getting. Do you use curse words at them? A: I made an Indian woman cry and promise to quit her job in 60 seconds. You can do it too!" MUMBAI: This is only a random (and printable) selection from the thousands of messages in cyberspace calling for a campaign to harass Indian call centre operators, to put an end to the offshoring of jobs. The same person goes on to describe some more of his experiences while calling these call centres, an activity to which he promises...

Daniels 'not welcome' in parade Posted: Thursday, Sep 02, 2004 - 12:14:45 am EST By SUZY HEICHELBECH Staff writer PRINCETON - What's a parade without politicians? Candidates have used local festival parades as a tool for meeting the people for years. This year's Labor Day parade is no exception to the tradition, but the number of Democrats marching through Princeton Monday will likely far outnumber Republican candidates. Gov. Joe Kernan, U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh and 8th District U.S. House of Representative Democrat candidate Jon Jennings are expected to participate. But their opponents won't be marching, says Labor Day Celebration chairman...

Calls traced to Eyman foes EIJIRO KAWADA; The News Tribune R. August Pommerening of Tacoma received a phone call Thursday that sounded like a courtesy notice from his local police department, warning him of the risk of identity theft. The official-sounding recording said the potential culprits might approach him posing as paid signature gatherers for initiative campaigns. Pommerening wondered if he should be worried about it. So he called the Tacoma Police Department and City Hall, but couldn't find out where the call came from. In fact, Pommerening was one of many registered voters in Pierce County who received the...

Public unions challenge ban on payroll deductions 06/27/2003 Associated Press BOISE - A coalition of labor groups asked a federal judge today to block enforcement of the new state ban on government payroll deductions to finance political activity before it takes effect next Tuesday. Union leaders argued that the ban _ pushed through the Legislature in 11 days last March, violates constitutional guarantees for free speech, freedom of association, freedom to petition government and equal protection under the laws. In addition, they claim the attempt by the state to regulate collection of money from public employee union members violates...