DECORAH, Iowa (WXOW) - One of the questions asked of The President Monday touched on the issue of collective bargaining for public workers--an issue that's been at the heart of Wisconsin's political storm.
Bev Crumb-Gesme is a retired school teacher from Decorah who said she understands collective bargaining is for the most part a state issue, but also wanted to know what The President can do to help the situation.
After waving her hat to get President Obama's attention, Bev explained her history and posed the question.
In response, The President remarked on how non-union workers, public and private reap the benefits established through collective bargaining. But he also called on unions to cut back just like everyone else.
Bev said she's satisfied with his answer but not as satisfied with the timing.
"I wish he would have said something when the issues were happening in Wisconsin," said Bev. "I think that he had an ample opportunity, but he's also a politician. He understands that you can't please everyone. You cannot wade into every state's political process."
On top of that, The President's had his own collective bargaining struggle to try and resolve--that being with the Federal Aviation Agency.
Here, President Obama again stressed the need for all sides to put aside differences, come together, and if not, be held accountable.
As you may recall, The Senate passed a temporary measure back on August 5th that funded FAA employees for six weeks, until congress resumes in September.
