Mining bill supporters flood the rotunda during Solidarity Sing Along 3/06/12

March 7, 2012 by Barbara With

The Solidarity Sing Along gathered in the rotunda of Wisconsin State Capitol at noon on March 6, 2012 for their usual noon hour song circle, celebrating solidarity, social justice and worker’s rights.  At the same time there was a rally outside organized by mining bill supporters and labor unions supporting the possibility of  jobs that ferrous mining might bring to Wisconsin.

The two events slowly merged as the rally attendees entered the first floor of the rotunda.  After some chants and a thundering rendition of Solidarity Forever, the Sing Along continued peacefully and the mining supporters granted interviews to local reporters.  Despite the show of orange support,  the mining bill failed to get enough votes in the Senate later that afternoon and was sent back to committee for further consideration.

This statement was issued by Gogebic Taconite, LLC President Bill Williams late in the evening:  “Senate rejection of the mining reforms in Assembly Bill 426 sends a clear message that Wisconsin will not welcome iron mining. We get the message. GTac is ending plans to invest in a Wisconsin mine. We thank the many people who have supported our efforts.”