MADISON, Wis. (WSAU) — Reactions to the State Senate passing Right to Work legislation were predictable. Democrats all opposed the bill, and vow to keep fighting against it in the Assembly. They don’t have enough votes to stop it.
Union leaders and over 400 businesses also oppose changing Wisconsin to a Right to Work state.
After the vote Wednesday night, there were several statements issued both in favor and in opposition to the bill.
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Statement by Senator Tom Tiffany on Passage of Right to Work
“Madison… Tonight, the Wisconsin State Senate voted 17 to 15 to pass Senate Bill 44, commonly referred to as the Right-to-Work legislation. After 8 hours of debate, the Senate voted to pass the legislation and will now send it to the State Assembly. After passage, State Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) issued the following statement: “This simple legislation affirms a person’s right to be a part of the union, but also ensures that workers have the individual freedom to decide if they want to join a union or not. Right-to-Work is an issue of freedom of association, a fundamental right that is guaranteed by the United States Bill of Rights through the freedom of speech affirmed by the United States Supreme Court,” stated Senator Tiffany. “Wisconsin must continue to reform its business climate if it wishes to compete not only with other states in the Midwest and across the country, but in a global economy.”
If approved by the Assembly, the bill would need the Governor’s signature before becoming law. Wisconsin would then become the 25th Right-to-Work state.
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Phil Neuenfeldt, President, Wisconsin AFL-CIO Statement on Senate Passage of Right to WorkFebruary 25, 2015
“Republican Senators clearly weren’t there to listen to their constituents or vote in the best interests of all Wisconsinites,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “With out-of-state special interests calling the shots, Wisconsin citizens get left behind. Right to Work is a continuation of the destructive policies of the Scott Walker Administration that have cost Wisconsin jobs and economic opportunity.”
“Despite hours and hours of testimony on how Right to Work will lower wages, increase workplace deaths and erode the base of the middle class by crippling the ability of workers to team up and join together through their unions for a strong voice in the workplace, Republican Senators rammed Right to Work legislation through the Senate in a disheartening move to democracy,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO.
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Senator Devin LeMahieu Statement on Right to Work Vote Madison – Senator Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) issued the following statement following the Senate vote to pass Right to Work legislation: “Today, I voted to make Wisconsin the 25th Right to Work state in the nation. With recent legislation in Michigan and Indiana, Wisconsin will be the 3rd state in the Midwest since 2012 to pass a Right to Work law. “This legislation ensures that workers have the individual freedom to decide whether or not to join a union. The bill in no way outlaws or prohibits private-sector unions. In fact, in recent years, Right to Work states have actually experienced an increase in union membership, not a decrease. In addition, recent polls show broad public support for Right to Work laws.” “This legislation continues our effort to improve the economic and business climate in Wisconsin. Around 75% of businesses looking to relocate or expand view Right to Work as an important factor in deciding where to locate. Passing this pro-jobs legislation tonight makes Wisconsin an even more attractive place to start and grow a business. My thanks to Senator Scott Fitzgerald for his leadership on this issue.” The Right to Work legislation, Senate Bill 44, now heads to the state Assembly. Leadership in the state Assembly has voiced support for the measure, and Governor Scott Walker has signaled his intention to sign the bill. Senator Devin LeMahieu represents the 9th Senate District, which includes parts of Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and Calumet Counties.
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Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) Praises Senate for Passing Right to Work Legislation“Assembly Should Swiftly Send Bill to Gov. Walker for Signature” MADISON – The Wisconsin Senate took a huge step towards improving the business climate and improving workplace freedom by passing Right to Work legislation, WMC said Wednesday. WMC is the state’s chamber of commerce.”Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald deserves the highest praise for his visionary leadership and courage for passing Right to Work in the Senate,” said WMC Vice President of Government Relations Scott Manley. “Every Senator who voted yes voted to improve our business climate and provide freedom for workers to keep their job without coercion.” The Right to Work bill now goes to the Assembly, where a hearing will be held early next week and the bill sent to the floor. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) has said he expects the Assembly will vote on the bill next week, and pass it and send it to Governor Scott Walker. Walker issued a statement saying he will sign Right to Work legislation if it reaches his desk. “The Assembly needs to move swiftly to advance the bill to the Governor,” Manley said. “Right to Work states consistently grow jobs and wages faster than forced-union states. This bill will send another signal to the world that Wisconsin is indeed open for business.” Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Vos brought the Legislature into extraordinary session on Monday to take up Right to Work legislation. In 2011, the Legislature and the Governor enacted Right to Work for government unions in Wisconsin. Wisconsin would become the 25th state in the nation to pass private sector Right to Work legislation. In recent years, Indiana and Michigan passed Right to Work laws. “We need to be competitive with our industrial competitors in the Upper Midwest,” Manley said. “When businesses look to grow, or relocate, they seek out Right to Work states and Wisconsin needs to be on the list for new jobs.”
