Wisconsin Becomes Next "Right To Work" State

On March 6, 2015, Wisconsin's State Assembly approved legislation that will make Wisconsin the 25th "Right to Work" state in the country.  Governor Walker has said he intends to sign 2015 Assembly Bill 61 into law within days.  The legislation significantly modifies Chapter 111 of the Wisconsin Statutes by, among other things, prohibiting employers and labor organizations from requiring employees to join, remain a member of, or financially support a labor organization as a condition of employment.  Violation of the law will be a Class A misdemeanor.  A brief summary of the key points follows.

The Nuts and Bolts

The law will not impact an existing collective bargaining agreement unless it is renewed, modified, or extended after the law's effective date.  In other words, the "union security", "union shop" or similar provisions in current union contracts will still be valid and enforceable until the contract is renewed, modified, or extended.