New legislation that would establish a voluntary work-share program, which Republicans claim could help Wisconsin businesses reduce layoffs, drew Democratic opposition Tuesday amidst claims the bills would undermine private sector unions.
Senate Bill 26 and Assembly Bill 15, also known as the Keep Wisconsin Working Act, are designed to reduce individual workers hours instead of laying them off, if businesses prove loss of revenue.
While work-sharing laws have been adopted by 24 states thus far, Wisconsin’s version of the legislature would group it with just one other state, Minnesota, in allowing employers to reduce unionized workers’ hours without first negotiating with the workers’ union.
Multiple state Democrats said in a statement they are wary of what they see as a continued assault on workers’ rights.
“This is the beginning of ‘divide and conquer’ part two,” State Sen. Julie Lassa, D-Stevens Point, said in a statement. “It’s one more step toward [Republicans’] goal of ending the right of Wisconsin citizens to have their voice heard in the workplace.”
The bills, which officials heard in the Capitol Tuesday, may be voted on as early as Thursday.
Democrats claim the bills are being rushed through the legislature to minimize resistance.
But Republicans stand by their rapid approach to the legislation, claiming that expediting the process is the best way to help Wisconsin workers.
“This legislation is intended to help the thousands of unemployed workers stay on the job while receiving some unemployment insurance,” State Rep. Ed Brooks, R-Reedsburg, said. “The goal is to keep people employed during difficult economic times.”
