Monday, February 28, 2011
AP
Photo
Wisconsin Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs, right, talks to a protester at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, after it was announced the demonstrators will be to stay another night at the Capitol. Opponents to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers have been demonstrating for 13 days.
AP
Photo
Jordan Peterson celebrates after it was announced protesters could spend another night at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, on the 13th day of protests over the governor's proposed budget.
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis.
An occupation of the Wisconsin Capitol by protesters fighting efforts to strip public workers of union bargaining rights went on Sunday after police decided not to forcibly remove demonstrators.
The state agency that oversees the Capitol asked the demonstrators who have camped out there since Feb. 15 to leave by 4 p.m., saying the building was in need of a cleaning.
But in the hours before the deadline came and after it passed, it was clear most protesters did not intend to leave voluntarily and police had no immediate intention of forcing them to go.
Late Sunday, Wisconsin Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs said no demonstrators would be arrested as long as they continue to obey the law.
“People here have acted lawfully and responsibly,” Tubbs said. “There’s no reason to consider arrests.”
Tubbs said demonstrators who have occupied all three floors of the Capitol will have to relocate to the ground floor. He said anyone who leaves the building will not be allowed back in, although police will allow union officials to bring food into the building for the protesters.
Demonstrators began camping out inside Capitol two weeks ago to fight legislation proposed by Wisconsin’s new Republican governor, Scott Walker, that would strip most of the state’s public employees of the right to collectively bargain.
Labor leaders and Democratic lawmakers say the bill is intended to undermine the unions and weaken a key base of Democratic Party voters.
The proposal stalled in the state Senate when its 14 Democratic lawmakers fled to Illinois. They vowed to stay away from Wisconsin for as long as it takes.
Authorities had planned to reopen the Capitol today at 8 a.m.