Democrat Mary Burke scores major union endorsements

MADISON (AP) — Democratic candidate for governor Mary Burke has won the endorsement of three major unions, despite her mixed views on the law championed by her opponent Gov. Scott Walker that essentially ended collective bargaining for most public workers.

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO, the statewide teachers union Wisconsin Education Association Council and the Madison Teachers Inc. all announced Wednesday they were backing Burke.

But Burke has angered some union leaders for not promising to repeal the union law signed into law in 2011 known as Act 10 if elected.

Burke has said she opposes the law and supports collective bargaining, but she also agreed with parts of Act 10 requiring public workers to pay more for their pension and health care benefits.