TAKE ACTION: Speak Out Against New Attack on Wisconsin Workers

New legislation has been introduced that would prohibit or "preempt" local governments from creating or enforcing labor protections in Wisconsin. Senate Bill 634 and Assembly Bill 748 would ban many of the opportunities local governments currently have to pursue policies that will improve the wages and working conditions of workers in many low- an moderate-wage occupational fields in which women are often disproportionately over-represented. 

Wisconsin already prohibits local communities from passing living wage or paid sick days ordinances. SB 634 would additionally make sure local governments can no longer:

• Raise pay for employees paid by taxpayer dollars:  Bill would prohibit a higher minimum wage for employees who perform contract work for a local government, or private sector employees who perform work that is funded by a local government.
• Limit discrimination:  Local governments would be unable to enact any regulations providing protections from employment discrimination – including provisions that outlaw discrimination based on gender identity. 
• Stop wage theft: Local governments couldn’t add rights or remedies to recover wages that an employee believes she or he is owed by her employer.
• Ensure fair scheduling: The bill would ban any local regulations of employee hours, including any requirements of advance notice regarding schedules.
• Fight pay inequity: Local governments couldn’t restrict an employer’s right to solicit information regarding the salary history of a prospective employee.
• Strengthen licensing requirements; Local governments couldn’t enact any occupational licensing requirements more stringent than the state licensing requirements for that particular occupation.
• Promote labor peace: The bill would prohibit “labor peace agreements,” under which workers who choose to form a union agree not to protest, strike or otherwise disrupt business, while employers agree not to pressure workers not to unionize.  Many localities across the country have used such agreements to protect the right to unionize at publicly funded or subsidized projects such as airports.

If the Legislature truly feels the need to have uniform labor and employment standards throughout Wisconsin, that should be accomplished through raising statewide standards with long overdue policies like living wage increased, paid family and medical leave, and stronger workplace anti-discrimination laws.

We should be increasing the ability of workers in Wisconsin to support themselves and their family members and for cities to have the autonomy to create policies that promote that goal.  SB 634 should be opposed and defeated for the wellbeing of the state and its workers.  

If you don't speak out, you can't be heard!