Wisconsin Right-to-Work bill debated, passed and sent to the Governor for signature

After a lengthy debate the Wisconsin Assembly passed the so called Right-to-Work bill on Friday, March 6, 2015.  The version passed by the Assembly is the same as the version passed by the Senate.  The bill has been presented to Governor Scott Walker, who has stated he will sign the bill on Monday March 9, 2015.  Wisconsin will be the 25th state to have a Right-to-Work law.

The law does not invalidate existing union dues or closed shop provisions (i.e., provisions requiring membership in the union as a condition of employment).  The new law will be effective on the day after it is published, but it will not apply to or affect existing collective bargaining agreements until those agreements are modified, extended or renewed after the effective date of the law.  Thus, a union and an employer will not be able to continue such a provision in a new collective agreement or one that is modified, extended or renewed after the law becomes effective.

The language of the legislation as sent to the Governor can be accessed here.