This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Nearly 300 union members and supporters rallied Saturday on the Utah Capitol's steps in a show of solidarity with teachers in Wisconsin fighting elimination of most of their collective bargaining rights.
Julie Holzer, international representative for the United Steel Workers of America, said the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature's bid to end collective bargaining for teacher may be couched as needed for the cash-strapped state — but it really amounts to little more than union-busting.
"If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention," Holzer said to cheers from the crowd.
Holzer noted that union rights supporters nationwide were holding similar rallies at their states' capitols Saturday.
Among the many signs dotting the snowstorm-braving crowd was one with a rather long, but succinct opinion: "This is all about class warfare by billionnaires against what's left of the middle class."
The rally, which gathered about 11 a.m., was to continue with additional speakers into Saturday afternoon.