Explain the two sides of the public sector collective bargaining debate that has led to the new laws such as that passed in Wisconsin to severely limit or eliminate public sector bargaining rights.

In response to concerns over the cost of public sector wages and benefits, Republican lawmakers have tried to limit or abolish bargaining rights in various states across the U.S. They believe public sector unions are too strong and, as a result, are able to negotiate wages and benefits that exceed what the public can afford. Labor unions and labor supporters, however, argue these attempts to limit or remove bargaining rights are really motivated by a desire to limit the influence of unions in politics since, generally speaking, have supported Democratic candidates.