Photos from the battle for labor’s future

March 11, 2011

Photo journalist Jacob Flom has created a powerful photo essay documenting the struggle inside the Wisconsin capitol during the final hours before the State Assembly stripped public workers of the right to bargain collectively. Flom’s photographs are visual testaments to the power and determination of Wisconsin workers who will continue their fight until victory.

$$Fight Back! News/Jacob Flom$ Thousands of protesters forced their way into the locked-down Wisconsin State Capitol on the evening of March 9, 2011, as Republicans enacted a secret plan to force a vote on anti-union legislation. After the senate voted in favor of the bill, chants of \"general strike\" shook the building.$

$$Fight Back! News/Jacob Flom$ 100 students and workers occupied the entryway to the State Assembly for 16 hours, attempting to block Republicans access and delay the vote.$

$$Fight Back! News/Jacob Flom$ State troopers tried to prevent hundreds of protesters from approaching the State Assembly area, but were ultimately overwhelmed.$

$$Fight Back! News/Jacob Flom$ A protester risked a 20-foot drop in order to pass the police line and join the sit-in outside the State Assembly.$

$$Fight Back! News/Jacob Flom$ Students sleeping in the capitol.$

$$Fight Back! News/Jacob Flom$ Members of Milwaukee Students for a Democratic Society $SDS$ block the entrance to the State Assembly.$

$$Fight Back! News/Jacob Flom$ Protesters prepare to be dragged away from the assembly doors by police.$

$$Fight Back! News/Jacob Flom$ As protesters are dragged away by police, State Representatives look on.$

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