Thousands protest Wisconsin anti-union 'right-to-work' law at capitol

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Republican-led state Senate on Wednesday approved ‘anti-union’ bill that bans private-sector workers from being required to join a union or pay dues

Scott Walker
As Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker speaks during a Club for Growth conference in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO was organising a rally against an ‘anti-union’ bill. Photograph: Joe Skipper/AP

Wisconsin unions bussed thousands of workers from around the state on Saturday to demonstrate against the impending adoption of a law that will ban private-sector workers from being required to join a union or pay dues.

The bill, which was approved by the Republican-led state Senate on Wednesday, would make Wisconsin the 25th state to adopt a so-called “right-to-work” law. It is supported by Governor Scott Walker, a potential Republican presidential candidate.

About 5,000 people gathered at the state capitol in Madison on Saturday, despite the frigid temperature of 16F (-9 C). The protesters waved US flags, rang cow bells and chanted “This is what Democracy looks like”. Many held signs denouncing the bill.

Walker became a favorite of some in the Republican Party in 2011 when he pushed for a law to limit the power of public sector unions shortly after becoming governor. His support grew when he survived a union-backed recall election in 2012.

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO organised Saturday’s rally, which came four years to the month after massive demonstrations at the state capitol by workers opposed to the limits then under consideration covering most unionised public sector workers.

Union members chanted “shame” as senators voted narrowly to approve a right to work law on Wednesday and moved it to the state Assembly, also controlled by Republicans, where a public hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Opponents cast the bill as an assault on organised labour and blue-collar workers that would limit union revenue and further erode the political power of organised labour. Supporters contend it could help to attract more jobs to Wisconsin.

The full Assembly is expected to vote on the measure within a week and Walker’s spokeswoman has indicated he will sign a bill if it gets to his desk. The measure as written would take effect upon the governor’s signature.