Democrats Stand United with Wisconsin Workers and Businesses against Legislation
(MADISON) – Late this evening, amidst protests of thousands of Wisconsin workers, business owners, and families, the Republican controlled Senate passed legislation aiming to effectively end private sector unions. The proposal, introduced just two days ago, would lower worker wages, decrease worker safety, and compromise the economic future of Wisconsin. Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee), ranking Democrat on the Joint Committee on Finance, issued the following statement after passage:
“I am extremely concerned with the process that was used this week. I am appalled by the actions of Senator Nass and committee Republicans that did not honor their commitment to the citizens of Wisconsin by allowing public testimony until 7:00 PM last night as scheduled. This spiritless move of shutting out the people of Wisconsin and silencing the voices of citizens of our state is an insult to our democracy. Wisconsin voters were clear in their peaceful demonstrations on the Capitol Square, in the rotunda, as well as in their public testimony that this was not something our state needs. Driving down wages for Wisconsin families and businesses should not be a priority.”
“Right to Work threatens worker safety. Without some of the crucial training provided by unions, Wisconsin will join the ranks of states whose rate of workplace death is on average 36% higher than states without Right to Work. Right to Work threatens worker quality. Unions train the best and brightest workers of our day. Average workers in states with RTW make $5,680 less a year than other states. Wisconsin cannot retain a highly skilled workforce without offering competitive wages nationally. And finally, Right to Work threatens worker integrity. If this bill becomes state law, there is nothing to prevent the free riders who take advantage of those who pay their dues and chip in to keep workplaces safe and fair.”
“I am reminded of the words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said in 1961, ‘In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, such as ‘right to work.’ It is a law to rob us of our civil rights and job rights. Its purpose is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining by which unions have improved wages and working conditions of everyone.’ I am disheartened by the actions of my Republican colleagues who are advocating for a bill that pushes our state back decades, and puts a nail in the coffin of the livelihood of working men and women of our state.”
(MADISON) – Late this evening, amidst protests of thousands of Wisconsin workers, business owners, and families, the Republican controlled Senate passed legislation aiming to effectively end private sector unions. The proposal, introduced just two days ago, would lower worker wages, decrease worker safety, and compromise the economic future of Wisconsin. Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee), ranking Democrat on the Joint Committee on Finance, issued the following statement after passage:
“I am extremely concerned with the process that was used this week. I am appalled by the actions of Senator Nass and committee Republicans that did not honor their commitment to the citizens of Wisconsin by allowing public testimony until 7:00 PM last night as scheduled. This spiritless move of shutting out the people of Wisconsin and silencing the voices of citizens of our state is an insult to our democracy. Wisconsin voters were clear in their peaceful demonstrations on the Capitol Square, in the rotunda, as well as in their public testimony that this was not something our state needs. Driving down wages for Wisconsin families and businesses should not be a priority.”
“Right to Work threatens worker safety. Without some of the crucial training provided by unions, Wisconsin will join the ranks of states whose rate of workplace death is on average 36% higher than states without Right to Work. Right to Work threatens worker quality. Unions train the best and brightest workers of our day. Average workers in states with RTW make $5,680 less a year than other states. Wisconsin cannot retain a highly skilled workforce without offering competitive wages nationally. And finally, Right to Work threatens worker integrity. If this bill becomes state law, there is nothing to prevent the free riders who take advantage of those who pay their dues and chip in to keep workplaces safe and fair.”
“I am reminded of the words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said in 1961, ‘In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, such as ‘right to work.’ It is a law to rob us of our civil rights and job rights. Its purpose is to destroy labor unions and the freedom of collective bargaining by which unions have improved wages and working conditions of everyone.’ I am disheartened by the actions of my Republican colleagues who are advocating for a bill that pushes our state back decades, and puts a nail in the coffin of the livelihood of working men and women of our state.”
