Representatives of up to 58 unions rallied in the wind and rain outside New Jersey's Statehouse Friday in support of collective bargaining for public employees in Wisconsin.
Union officials painted the issue as an assault on the middle class.
Firefighters wore their gear and helmets, and laborers wore slickers and hardhats.
Three Wisconsin union representatives were scheduled to speak Friday.
Stephanie Bloomingdale, secretary-treasurer for the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, says her state is ground zero in a nationwide attack on union workers. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wants to end nearly all bargaining with public employee unions to help balance his state's budget.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he supports “responsible” collective bargaining. He has proposed raising the retirement age and requiring public workers to pay more for benefits.
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