Maine governor Paul LePage is taking a page from the political playbook of Wisconsin governor Scott Walker.
The Maine Republican ordered the removal of a mural depicting vignettes of state and national labor history Monday, sparking debate from union supporters.
“I’m trying to send a message to everyone in the state that the state of Maine looks at employees and employers equally,” Mr. LePage said last week. “The mural sends a message that we’re one-sided, and I don’t want to send that message.”
The move comes as Wisconsin governor Scott Walker continues to face criticism over a bill signed into law eliminating collective bargaining rights for state public employee unions.
The Maine governor’s office responded to criticism Monday, issuing a statement explaining the removal.
“Workers and employers need to work together to create opportunity for Maine’s 50,000 unemployed,” the governor’s office said.
