As GOP Convention wraps up, labor supporters say tragic event "lives on"



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- On the same day the state Republican Convention wrapped up in Milwaukee, the labor movement reasserted its political muscle. In Bay View, hundreds turned out to remember those who died in the fight for the eight-hour work day.

This week marks the 128th anniversary of a labor struggle in Milwaukee that led to the deaths of seven people. Back then, a typical workday could be 10 to 12 hours. Now, union supporters use the tragic anniversary as motivation to keep fighting.

Union supporters used Sunday, May 4th as a call to action, while Republicans were wrapping up their convention.

In a Bay View park on Sunday, the Milwaukee Public Theater re-enacted the labor strike that has become revered by union supporters.

On May 5th, 1886, thousands marched in Milwaukee for the right to an eight-hour work day.

As workers tried to enter a Bay View mill, shots were fired into the crowd.

Seven people lost their lives at the hands of the state militia.

"It is up to us to honor their legacy and to continue their fight for the working people," Phil Neuenfeldt with the Wisconsin AFL-CIO said.

Every year, hundreds of union supporters turn out to remember those killed with a rally and a call to action.

"What we need to do is make other workers realize that they can do something. They don't just have to take what is given to them," Ken Germanson said.

This year, labor is reasserting its political muscle before another governor's race.

"It lives on in those who fight together for collective bargaining rights and strong unions which lead to safer workplaces," Neuenfeldt said.

The crowd on Sunday applauded a call to repeal Act 10 -- one of the most polarizing pieces of legislation in state history -- and the signature achievement of Gov. Walker's administration. The law strips most collective bargaining from most public employees.

This, while at the same time, Gov. Scott Walker called his reforms a success for the taxpayer, during the GOP Convention.

"When it comes to property taxes, you'll be happy to know because of our Republican reforms, property taxes this year will be more than $1 million dollars lower on a typical home than it was last December. Wisconsin is better off today than it was four years ago, and it will be even better four years from now," Gov. Walker said.

Gov. Walker says the state is better off today, and points to its $1 billion surplus as one reason why.

Union supporters disagree -- saying they worry about good wages, benefits and pensions being lost.