Local union members dismayed by right-to-work bill (WI)

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http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/story/news/local/2015/03/01/central-wisconsin-unions-dismayed-right-work-bill/24146193/

Chris Mueller 4:04 a.m. CST March 1, 2015

STEVENS POINT — For 28 years, Kevin Zurawski has been a member of a carpenter's union, paying dues and attending meetings.

Now, though, he fears the existence of his union — Carpenters Local 804, with roughly 130 members in Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids — is at risk because of a right-to-work bill making its way through the state Legislature. Zurawski, the union's president, is concerned if the bill is passed, it would cripple unions across Wisconsin and threaten pensions for current and future union retirees.

"I think the livelihoods of a lot of these people are in jeopardy, especially the younger generation," Zurawski said.

Right-to-work laws, already in place in 24 states, prohibit private companies from reaching labor agreements in which workers are forced to pay dues to unions as a condition of employment. That means once a right-to-work law is passed, private-sector workers laboring under a union contract are no longer required to join or pay fees to their unions, which are still obligated to represent their interests.

FULL story at link.



Kevin Zurawski
(Photo: Stevens Point Journal Media)