Bill package strengthens worker protections
MADISON, WI – Today, Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) was proud to stand next to fellow Legislative Democrats and labor leaders to introduce the Build a Stronger Wisconsin bill package, which comprises legislation to address Prevailing Wage, Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), Worker Misclassification reform, and a repeal of Right-to-Work.
“Supporting working families shouldn’t be a red or blue issue – we can all agree that fair wages and safe working environments should be protected for all. Unions encourage good standard practices across the board, uplifting union and non-union workers alike, and this package will reaffirm some of these practices that help all workers,” said Senator Dassler-Alfheim.
The Prevailing Wage bill establishes guidelines for wage rates, work hours, contract requirements, enforcement, and noncompliance penalties for certain state and local public works projects to ensure that workers are adequately compensated and protected from working overtime without commensurate pay. The Right-to-Work bill repeals Wisconsin’s right-to-work law, which prohibits employers and unions from requiring workers to join or support a union as a condition of employment. The PLA bill repeals restrictions enacted by 2017 Wisconsin Act 3 and allows for state and municipal governments to enter into PLAs or similar union-related conditions during public bidding and contracting processes on public construction projects. The eight Worker Misclassification Reform bills crack down on the misclassification of workers by independent contractors attempting to avoid paying taxes, unemployment insurance, or workers’ compensation, resulting in the loss of benefits and protections for workers and unfairly impeding law-abiding businesses’ ability to compete.
“With the economic uncertainty we’re experiencing right now, protecting unions and hardworking Wisconsinites has never been more important. That’s what this bill package does, and that’s why it has the support of every single Democrat in the Wisconsin State Legislature. I look forward to adding some Republican names to that list and moving Wisconsin forward together,” concluded the Senator.
