Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has proclaimed Wednesday "State Employee Recognition Day," months after pushing a bill that would strip most of those workers of their collective bargaining rights.
Walker praised state workers for cutting costs in tough economic times while noting their essential service to the state. He also unveiled a state worker recognition program earlier this week, which would reward employees who provided "outstanding conduct in serving the people of Wisconsin."
State workers have been some of Walker's most vocal critics since he pushed a bill stripping most public employees of collective bargaining rights. Tens of thousands of workers rallied at the Capitol for weeks, demanding Walker back down or be recalled.
The bill was passed by the Legislature but blocked by a circuit court judge.
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