First, Wisconsin and Ohio. Then, Michigan. Now, Scott Walker's effort to silence workers' voices has arrived in Massachusetts.

Late last night, the Massachusetts State House passed a bill that will dramatically limit collective bargaining rights for police officers, teachers and other municipal employees. 

The Massachusetts bill forbids employees from collectively bargaining over their health plans - a significant part of compensation for many workers. Under the legislation, reports the Boston Globe, mayors and other city officials would be given "unfettered authority to set copayments and deductibles for their employees, after the 30-day discussion period with unions."

“In the bigger world out there, this fits into a very bad movement to disempower labor unions," said State Representative Denise Provost (D-Somerville), who voted against the bill

The anti-worker bill now heads to the Massachusetts Senate, where we have a chance to stop it. The Boston Globe reports that Senate President Therese Murray has not indicated support of the bill, noting she "is reluctant to strip workers of their rights to bargain over their health plans." 

We must stand up for workers' rights in Massachusetts. Send a message to Senate President Therese Murray, her Communications Director and Gov. Patrick to stand up for workers' rights to collectively bargain over health benefits.