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Posted: Sat 9:20 PM, Aug 27, 2011
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Reporter: Jennifer Kliese Email
Updated: Wed 5:49 PM, Aug 31, 2011

NEW INFO: Labor Council Changes Mind, GOP Allowed in Parade

Wausau Labor Day

Wausau Parade Reaction

August 29th Labor Day Update

Mayor Reacts to Labor Day Controversy

Politicians Weigh in on Wausau Labor Day Parade Controversy

August 30th Labor Day Parade Update

Mayor Talks Parade

How Parade Decision Affects Community

NEW INFO: Labor Council Changes Mind, GOP Allowed in Parade

Republicans Allowed at Parade

WEDNESDAY UPDATE

The Marathon County Labor Council is allowing Republicans to march in the Labor Day Parade.

Randy Radtke, Council President released this statement:

Labor Day is meant to celebrate the accomplishments of labor for the citizens of our country: things like better workplace safety, some retirement security through Social Security, higher pay, and some time off so workers can spend it with their families. These things have raised workplace conditions at union and non-union companies alike, and collective bargaining helps keep them strong.

We didn't start this fight in Wisconsin, but were responding to anti-worker positions and policies supported by local Republican politicians, including those who have complained about not being invited. With the track records that Pam Galloway, Sean Duffy, Scott Walker, and Jerry Petrowski have all put together this year, they should be ashamed to even show their faces at a Labor Day parade.

Just like we'd hoped, our decision has stimulated a great debate in our community about the meaning of Labor Day. But because we don't want to wind up having community groups and school bands affected in the process, we will let everyone march and hope these Republican politicians finally take away some lessons about what Labor Day really means. We know their actions and voting records speak more loudly than waving at any parade.

We have had countless offers from across our area pour in to help pay for parade costs. While we thank everyone for your generosity, we urge you instead to use it to support charities that are helping working class people who may be laid off or struggling due to the difficult economy.

Randy Radtke

President Marathon County Labor Council AFL-CIO

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Last week, organizers told some area Republicans they couldn't attend the event. But Mayor Jim Tipple says if they don't include everyone, the city will no longer be a sponsor. State Senator Pam Galloway says she thinks the group went too far. Galloway says she wants to go to meet her constituents but she doesn't think organizers will change their mind.

"I'm just assuming they're going to pay for that and we're not going to be in the parade," says Galloway.

Grand marshal Representative Donna Seidel says she wasn't involved in excluding the GOP party, but she's not surprised to see conflict over workers' rights continue.

"I certainly respect the ability of the labor council to make this kind of decision," says Seidel.

But the controversy is not just a concern for politicians. What it means for our school band programs is even more complicated. The D.C. Everest High School band performs in the parade every year. But if it's no longer hosted by the city school leaders may have to pull the band out of the parade.

"We are going to make a decision that's in the best interest for our kids and school," says Principal Tom Johansen.

The mayor hopes organizers resolve the conflict quickly, so the city can have the parade without the politics.

MONDAY UPDATE

In less than a week, the Wausau area's VIPs will take to the streets for the annual Labor Day parade. But controversy in the past few days, has shown some regulars might not be back this year.

A parade organizer with the Marathon County Labor Council made it clear some Republican lawmakers aren't invited. The reason: not supporting workers' collective bargaining rights back in February.

But Mayor Jim Tipple says because the city of Wausau pays for a portion of the parade's costs including liability insurance, the event is required to be non-partisan.

"The city does sponsor the parade we have staff that close streets put up barricades police protection,' says Tipple.

Department heads like Wausau's fire chief Gary Buchberger say they'll still participate in the parade despite the controversy.

"We are an integral part of the community and we want to support these kinds of things we have in the past and we have every intention of trying to do so in the future," says Buchberger.

And while Mayor Tipple is confident the conflict will be resolved in a few days, he hopes there won't be any protests on Labor Day.

Wausau Mayor Jim Tipple Releases Statement:

August 29, 2011- The City is a co-sponsor of the Labor Day parade event, because we provided the payment for the insurance premium for the event, and we agreed to erect a stage and provide city services at no cost to the Marathon County Central Labor Council.

The banning of a political party from participation at any event co-sponsored by the City is against public policy and not in the best interest of all the citizens of the City of Wausau. And therefore, we encourage the event organizer to invite all interested parties, or reimburse the city for other costs.

Original Story----

Organizers of Wausau's Labor Day parade say Republican lawmakers aren't welcome in this year's event.

The Marathon County Central Labor Council sponsors the September 5th parade. The council includes about 30 local unions from the Marathon County area.

Council president Randy Radtke says they choose not to invite elected officials who have "openly attacked worker's rights" or did nothing to intervene.

"When Scott Walker leveled his assault on workers and workers rights, the local Republicans followed in lock step with him," Radtke said.

A step he says doesn't follow the values of Labor Day.

"They wanna walk one way and talk the other way," Radtke said. "The reason Labor Day was brought about was to recognize the achievements that the labor unions have accomplished over the years."

State Senator Pam Galloway says unions are only a fraction of the labor represented in the parade and only part of what the parade is all about.

"I'm a worker, you're a worker, we're not represented by unions," Galloway said. "It's not appropriate for the citizens of the city of Wausau to be deprived of contact with their elected representatives. When I go to these parades, I try to talk with people before the parade actually starts."

Other Republican leaders, including Rep. Sean Duffy's office say they hoped political differences could be set aside for the family friendly event.

The Republican Party of Lincoln County says the tradition of a shared event will now end over "petty and short sighted anger toward legally elected officials."

Republicans are hoping to work with Wausau city officials to resolve the conflict before Labor Day.

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  • by Bill Location: Wausau on Sep 2, 2011 at 12:04 PM
    It's hard to believe that Americans have been intellectually diminished to such childish behavior, fighting between ourselves over such foolish issues. I guess we really are "dumbed down". Who would have ever believed that such nonsense like this would have ever been allowed to occur. I thought it was still a free country? Apparently not. "Divide and Conquer", the same strategy used for centuries in war is now being used against all of us, keeping us all fighting between ourselves while they work in the background to destroy our country. This is just another example. Isn't this obvious? Wake up Americans, wake up. Stop being sucked in.
    [ Report Abuse ]
    • reply
      by Brad on Sep 3, 2011 at 09:19 AM in reply to Bill
      Another version of the "both sides are at fault" argument, and it's bull. We never heard this when the democrat party was in control of everything, and was ramming their Marxist agenda through with no debate at all. When the lefties are in control, it's "ram it through". When the conservatives are in control it's "we need compromise", or "we need bi-partisanship". What a load of crap.
      [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Shawn Location: Wausau on Aug 31, 2011 at 07:37 PM
    Unions used to be for protecting the little guy from a bully boss. Now the Unions are the bullies bossing around the tax payer. Boycott this stupid parade!
    [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Anonymous on Aug 31, 2011 at 06:12 PM
    Walker should be charged for the breakfast meeting this morning at the Central Wisconsin Fair where he did not allow the opposition to attend - this was at the expense of taxpayers. Letssee this in the news!
    [ Report Abuse ]
  • by JMD Location: Wis Rapids on Aug 31, 2011 at 05:49 PM
    This last response from the labor council president says to me,he still wants to take his bouncy ball and go home like a spoiled little kid who can't play well with others.
    [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Susie Location: Wausau on Aug 31, 2011 at 04:23 PM
    I Want to know if the TEA PARTY had a prade would the invite the UNION'S AND THE GAY. IF WE ARE GOING TO MAKEA ISSUE WHAT ABOUT THE GAY'S.
    [ Report Abuse ]
    • reply
      by Brad on Aug 31, 2011 at 06:54 PM in reply to Susie
      They already have their own special parade. They have their own special disease. They have their own special everything, because they're special.
      [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Kathy from Austin Location: usa on Aug 31, 2011 at 12:40 PM
    As a parent of two high school band members I would not allow my children to participate in this parade. There is just too much emotion (and frankly, hatefulness on the side of the union) and I suspect there will be violence. I hope lots of folks who are willing to attend will have their video cameras in tow.
    [ Report Abuse ]
    • reply
      by T.L. on Aug 31, 2011 at 07:07 PM in reply to Kathy from Austin
      Stay in Austin, You have no idea of what is going on in Wisconsin.
      [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Ray Location: Antigo on Aug 31, 2011 at 10:08 AM
    Cut and dry...since they were told they would have to pay for the parade they flip flopped and allowed GOP members to participate. They couldn't possibly have paid for it themselves...that would have taken money out of their pockets! Best if it came out of the taxpayer pockets instead! If they wanted to send a message they would have sucked it up and paid, instead they chose to suck off the taxpayer! Now let's see...where do they actually stand? Easy to see. A labor day parade is about WORKERS!!! Not just those who pay union dues!!
    [ Report Abuse ]
    • reply
      by Dan Dan on Aug 31, 2011 at 11:21 AM in reply to Ray
      You need to study your history and find out what Labor day is all about and who started it.
      [ Report Abuse ]
      • reply
        by Anonymous on Aug 31, 2011 at 02:23 PM in reply to Dan Dan
        In 44 years on the earth I have always known it as "LABOR DAY" not "ORGANIZED LABOR DAY". Check how it's printed on your calendar, bet it's printed LABOR DAY same as mine. So if it's about unions then by all means let unions pay for it! No use of PUBLIC streets, no police, no fire trucks, no post parade clean up by city crews. STRICTLY UNION PEOPLE! Better yet just have it at the county fairgronds where it is rented out and the organization holding the festivities is responsible for the insurance, fees, permits, and clean up. That is more than fair. Why should the taxpayers foot the bill for an "organized labor" parade when they want to discriminate?
        [ Report Abuse ]
        • reply
          by Aaron on Aug 31, 2011 at 08:20 PM in reply to
          Yep. Wanna know a couple of other days that have lost their significance, honor, and reverance (in part) because of calendar abbreviations? "Christ Mass Day" is shortened to "Christmas" and "All Hallow's Eve" is "Halloween" on our calendars. While I would understand if atheists wanted to march in a church-organized Christ Mass celebration, I consider their desire bereft of honor, dignity, or respect for fellow human beings and the Holy Day, (even if the event had a partial government endorsement). Sorry, "Holy Day" is "Holiday" in our current vernacular, and not all of our Holidays should be labeled Holy. In contrast, I would find a request for an alternate (and also partially governmentally endorsed) event respectful. I don't believe that Free Speech always needs to be in the same forum or event. Sometimes we're smart to show respect for others by organizing an alternate event. Based on our current state, I believe our Republicans are dispespectful (either through ignorance or intent). "Recognition Day" wasn't announced until it was mostly over. To counter-point a minister's son (on the fake Koch recording): The only problem with management-supporting "trouble-makers" sent into a peaceful union crowd is that it shows a lack of moral compass. His vocalized "only problem" showed his immorality far too well. Our state management needs to realize shareholders AND employees need to be given dignity as human beings.
          [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Brad Location: Milwaukee, WI on Aug 31, 2011 at 10:02 AM
    The Labor Council has no "mind" to change. They're just afraid of losing Wausau's financial contribution to the parade.
    [ Report Abuse ]
    • reply
      by BBBrad on Aug 31, 2011 at 07:13 PM in reply to Brad
      Sounds a lot like Milwaukee to me,no "mind" and afraid of losing financial contribution from the northern Wisconsin tax payer.
      [ Report Abuse ]
      • reply
        by Brad on Sep 1, 2011 at 07:49 PM in reply to BBBrad
        Keep your Northern Wisconsin contribution. Just keep your democrat/union kabaal out of our pockets, and out of our lives.
        [ Report Abuse ]
        • reply
          by Aaron on Sep 1, 2011 at 11:09 PM in reply to Brad
          If you're gonna throw in the Dutch spelling, why not go back to the older French or Hebrew versions of the word?
          [ Report Abuse ]
  • by misterz on Aug 31, 2011 at 08:44 AM
    Maybe it's now time for the local media to do some serious stories about the origin of Labor Day. Maybe for a change you could do a little digging on a story instead of just repeating the politician's media statements and talking points. There is a serious problem with people's understanding of history and the media only adds to it by never doing in-depth stories about anything...just repeat what you are told by people who want their slanted version to be out there. Labor Day is not just a day for "family time" and end of summer celebrations. It began years ago in part to honor the many people in our history who died in the labor movement and/or died because of terrible working conditions, conditions that the early union struggles helped make better for every working person in the country, not just union members. All of us, union or not, have benefitted from what the unions have fought for, and what has been done to the collective bargaining process in Wisconsin will make us go backwards and remove many of the protections workers and unions have fought for over the years. Everyone who thinks this is a good thing may be singing a different tune in a year or two when you actually see what employers now feel empowered to do, thanks in great part to the Republicans who want to now be out there marching with the union members they have vilified and used as their scapegoats. Truly, they have no shame.
    [ Report Abuse ]
    • reply
      by Bill on Sep 1, 2011 at 12:32 PM in reply to misterz
      Unions were important in the past, now not so much. Maybe sometime in the future they will be needed again.
      [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Rick Location: Wausau on Aug 31, 2011 at 08:37 AM
    The Labor union are acting like babies, should just be glad they have jobs and stop taking handouts and welfare from the rest of us that really work for a living. I will also stop buying from any business that will sponsor this parade.
    [ Report Abuse ]
    • reply
      by Dan Dan on Aug 31, 2011 at 11:28 AM in reply to Rick
      You honestly think that people who are in labor unions don't work and just collect a check for doing nothing. What a fool you are. I would like to put you through the work, as a teacher, that I experienced and see if you still have the same thing to say. Of course you probably would never qualify to be a teacher, because obviously you don't use your brain very well. Also, boycotting businesses does little but hurt the people who work there.
      [ Report Abuse ]