The big-picture battle for survival that Mandarini addressed so passionately looks even more dire now, after labor failed to oust Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker from office. Walker cut collective bargaining rights for most public workers and lived to fight another day. With his triumph, the political ground shifts. But how much?
Don’t count labor’s political influence out just yet. In the Massachusetts Senate race, at least, both sides want the votes of union members. But the Democratic and Republican camps are both recalibrating how to secure them.
Democrats are still seeking union support overtly. But post-Wisconsin, they don’t want to alienate voters who view unions as greedy protectors of perks and benefits that are bankrolled by taxpayers. Republicans are happy to tap into anti-union sentiment. But post-Wisconsin, they don’t want to alienate modern-day “Reagan Democrats” who make up the union rank and file membership.
Before the recall vote, President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney kept their distance from the battle. Not wanting to look too cozy with labor, Obama tweeted some tepid words of support right before the vote. After Walker prevailed, Romney declared it a new day. But labor leaders are still with Obama, even if they’re miffed at his arms-length shout-out. Romney, who is already dealing with angry union auto workers in Michigan, will try not to anger any more union members. Instead, he will woo them with a promise of jobs and a strong economy under a Republican president.
Post-Wisconsin, what happens next in traditionally labor-friendly states like Massachusetts is another test for union clout.