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Unions Hope Wal-Mart Bill Has Momentum
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Wisconsin state Sen. Dave Hansen (D) introduced similar legislation in November, but said he is "not totally optimistic" that it will have the success it did in Maryland. The Wisconsin legislature is majority Republican, and the bill is co-sponsored only by Democrats. But there will be hearings next week, he said.
Labor began to strongly unite after Ehrlich vetoed the bill last spring. The groups focused not just on Maryland, but on other states where they thought lawmakers and citizens might similar legislation. Local unions, state AFL-CIO offices, anti-Wal-Mart groups and other advocacy groups began promoting similar bills .
The groups all contributed to drafting a model Fair Share Health Care Act, according to Naomi Walker, the AFL-CIO's state legislative director. "This was really big. I think what was so notable was despite the divisions in labor, everyone was really focused on this victory," she said.
WakeUp Wal-Mart, a UFCW group, said a portion of its 170,000 supporters will lobby on behalf of the legislation. Another group, Wal-Mart Watch, which was originally funded by the SEIU, also will target states where the bill has a good chance of passing, including Washington and New Hampshire, according to Tracy Sefl, spokeswoman.
Shortly before the override in Maryland, five of the group's field workers lobbied small businesses to take up the cause in Maryland's swing districts. About 150 signed letters that were sent to their delegates, and some posted signs in their windows calling for support of the bill.
The impetus for pushing for company-sponsored health care was a crushing 2003 Southern California grocery workers strike that lasted for 20 weeks and hurt both the workers and the stores. A major issue was affordable health care. "We came out of Southern California after the strike realizing that it is so hard to get employers to provide health care," said Anna Burger, SEIU secretary-treasurer.
Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch said the health care initiative really started to gain attention when Wal-Mart was identified publicly as the target. The skirmish over the bill "escalated to a level greater than anyone imagined," Busch said. "I think it's obvious now why: Wal-Mart is a lightning rod."
Obviously, enough Maryland legislators agreed, including Minnick. After he "anguished over it," Minnick called the governor.
"I told him I was going the other way," Minnick said. "He was not happy, but he understood."
