Wis. lawmakers end unions’ collective bargaining

After weeks of protests and vitriolic debate, Wisconsin’s Senate has voted to strip state workers of their right to collective bargaining.

Democrats were conspicuous by their absence as Republicans concluded the business that has riveted the country.

Gov. Scott Walker praised the union vote, saying Democrats refused “opportunities to come home.”

The Huffington Post reports a parliamentary maneuver allowed the measure to pass with just Republican support.

The measure now goes to the Assembly, expected to vote on the matter Thursday.