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Lawton apologizes for “scabs” comment

By ASSOCIATED PRESS   Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 11:08 a.m.
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KEWAUNEE, Wis. (AP) — The lieutenant governor is apologizing for using the word “scabs” to describe replacement workers at Kewaunee Fabrication.

Barbara Lawton used the word a couple of times while visiting striking union workers outside the Kewaunee plant earlier this week.

Boilermakers Local 487 has been on strike since May 12 over wages and benefits. The company has been operating with temporary workers since May 19.

Some replacement workers say they’re offended by Lawton’s use of the term. But, Boilermakers say they appreciate Lawton’s blunt words.

Lawton said Wednesday her use of the word “scab” was “an absolutely inexcusable mistake.”




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(19)
billnewbie
Jun 1, 2008 at 7:54 p.m.
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It is easier to list those who would benefit from de-unionization, but here goes.
An employee would benefit from unionization when the union does not use antagonism as its primary method of dealing with the employer, when the union represents all members equally regardless of seniority status or whether or not a member is a member of the union leadership, when the union does not attempt to intimidate its own members, and when the leadership does not advance its own interests ahead of those of the membership. Then, when the basis of a union is built on respect, unionization could be very beneficial both to workers, and employers. I do not believe such a union exists, unfortunately, and that is why you find my comments about unions to be negative. Scab really is such a hateful term and it surprises me that you embrace it.
Let’s not forget that a Lt. Governor is first in line to succeed the Governor should he fail to complete his term for whatever reason. And even she recognized the inappropriateness of using that hateful term in public which she also privately embraces, apparently.

wisconsinheat
May 31, 2008 at 12:36 a.m.
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A Lt. Governor by any other name however, is still a wannabe.

wisconsinheat
May 31, 2008 at 12:32 a.m.
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A scab, by any other name , is still a scab.

wisconsinheat
May 30, 2008 at 11:46 p.m.
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billnewbie wrote;
"Many people who could benefit from unionization will not join one because of the attitude of unionists who throw around smug terms such as "scab"."
.
From reading some of your previous post's, I am surprised that you would think anyone could benefit from a union.
.
Who, in your opinion would benefit from unionization, and how?

billnewbie
May 30, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.
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Many unionists demonize anyone they view as an adversary, such as managers, strikebreakers, non-union employers such as wal-mart, foreign workers, and even people who buy some but not all of their goods from union made companies. Many people who could benefit from unionization will not join one because of the attitude of unionists who throw around smug terms such as "scab".

Publius
May 30, 2008 at 9:55 a.m.
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Often a so-called scab is just a person with a family to support who is trying to get by the best way he or she can. It is hard for an honest, working person to fault that.

laughwuvlive
May 30, 2008 at 3:42 a.m.
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put your big girl panties on and get over it

newmath
May 29, 2008 at 9:25 p.m.
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I love it when a company sticks it to the union. Lowly workers should only make $3.75 a hour!

Seabee
May 29, 2008 at 5:27 p.m.
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I love it when a company sticks it to a union.

gwendt
May 29, 2008 at 3:44 p.m.
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"Scabs" is what they are. period

Badgerlvr
May 29, 2008 at 2:43 p.m.
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Gee! I'm offended that the "replacement workers" are offended. I DEMAND a retraction by Lt. Gov. Lawton. Hmmm, I'm also offended by the high prices at the gas pump. I wonder if she'd do something about that!

billnewbie
May 29, 2008 at 1:36 p.m.
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She's one Obama appointment from being governor.

farmdude
May 29, 2008 at 11:53 a.m.
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EXACTLY!! Now she has offended both sides. It's down right scary to think she's a heartbeat away from being governor.

janesvillean
May 29, 2008 at 11:52 a.m.
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Didn't her mother tell her not to pick on a scab?
http://www.instantrimshot.com/

Chief370
May 29, 2008 at 11:43 a.m.
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Maybe if our Gov. and Lt. Gov have not screwed up this states economy so bad, there would not be so many people out of work having to become Temp's or replacement workers. They keep taking money away and taxing people and businesses it is hard to believe anyone can keep a business running

Kenbjammen
May 29, 2008 at 11:22 a.m.
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Now she has offended both sides!

justmyopinion
May 29, 2008 at 11:19 a.m.
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Some people call a spade a spade - is that a bad thing?

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