Frederica Freyberg:

The so-called right-to-work bill would prohibit private sector companies from reaching labor agreements in which employees are required to join a union or pay union dues. The measure passed in the Senate on a 17-15 vote.

Protesters:

[Protesters chant]

Frederica Freyberg: The vote on another round of fast and furious lawmaking turned the State Senate Chambers into a gavel-breaking shouting match. Two days of rallies and protests preceded the vote.

Mahlon Mitchell:

You didn’t help build this country. Are you a proud union member?

[Cheers and applause]

Frederica Freyberg:

Crowds, not as large as those over Act 10, but hastily gathered in the midst of an extraordinary session designed for speedy passage. More than measures to undo public sector unions, the dividing lines in right-to-work legislation are not as clear-cut. Private businesses not lining up all on one side, in favor.

Employer:

The union provides us a built-in HR Department with training and–

Frederica Freyberg:

In fact, at a public hearing, ahead of this week’s vote, 1,751 people registered in opposition to the right-to-work bill, including business owners who like their unions.

Paul Christensen:

I’ve got a partnership with my unions.

Frederica Freyberg:

25 Registered in favor, including Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

Scott Manley:

Over twice as many jobs added in right-to-work states as opposed to non-right-to-work states. So, we’re seeing faster job growth. We think that’s a good thing for Wisconsin and we think it’s a good thing for the middle class.

Frederica Freyberg:

Republican leaders call right-to-work the important missing link toward getting Wisconsin’s economy going.

Scott Fitzgerald:

There will be no more important jobs bill in this Chamber over the next two years than the bill before us today.

Frederica Freyberg:

And while majority leaders and the WMC laud right-to-work as a magnet to bring businesses, jobs and wealth to the state, some economists, like this one from Marquette University, say just the opposite will happen.

Abdur Chowdhury:

For business firms, right-to-work is not a priority issue. If we have a right-to-work law in Wisconsin, annual income across the state will decline by about $2.97 billion.

[Chanting]

Frederica Freyberg:

Chants of “Shame!” from observers in the Gallery wasn’t the only shaming going on in the Senate. Democrats tried to lure “No” votes from several Republicans who they say had previously opposed the legislation.

Lena Taylor:

There’s six of you on the outer ring, we know it, that don’t agree. But only one has had the courage to stand.

Senator:

Petroski.

Frederica Freyberg:

Senator Jerry Petroski was the lone Republican voting “No.” on right-to-work. He put out a statement saying, “I am not convinced that the supposed benefits of passing this bill will materialize and offset a potentially disruptive impact on our economy.”

Senator:

There are 17 “Ayes”, 15 “Nos.” The bill is approved.

Frederica Freyberg:

The final Senate vote in favor sends the bill to the Assembly, where passage is assured.

Jennifer Shilling:

This bill is going to drive down family wages, period. It is a proven fact that workers in right-to-work states earn over $5,000 less each year.

Frederica Freyberg:

But the Senate Majority Leader remains confident that, on the contrary, right-to-work will jump-start Wisconsin’s sluggish growth.

Scott Fitzgerald:

I think this is going to be something that is going to have a direct impact on the manufacturing sector in Wisconsin, which is one of our big three.