In an economy that is increasingly weighted for the ultra wealthy and corporate interests, it is imperative that we give power back to the people. This is why we need strong unions.
Unions have fought for the 40 hour work week, overtime pay, and workplace safety regulations. We must uphold workers’ right to organize and support unions on strike.
In 2011, Act 10 (also known as the Wisconsin Budget Repair bill) limited our state’s union power. Think this has minimal repercussions? Think again. Here’s how Wisconsin (non-union state) compares to Minnesota (union state) in recent years:
- From 2010 to 2017, Minnesota’s economy grew by 12.8%, while Wisconsin’s grew by just 10.1%.
- Minnesota saw a 5.1% increase in population growth between 2010 and 2017 – Wisconsin’s grew by less than half of that.
- Minnesota has steadily increased wage growth, decreased their gender wage gap, and seen a notable increase in median household and family income.
- While Wisconsin’s overall poverty rates have consistently increased in recent years, Minnesota has seen a significant decrease in both.
- Wisconsin has experienced a considerable net loss of residents – while Minnesota’s population has remained stable.
We need federal legislation that guarantees public and private sector workers’ rights to organize, bargain collectively, and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.
I support the passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act is a comprehensive bill that aims to significantly strengthen the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
To work towards a future with a stable, prosperous economy in America, we need organized labor. We deserve federal legislation that protects and expands organized labor. The state you live in shouldn’t determine the quality of workers’ rights or how much economic opportunity people have. Wisconsin has experienced the devastating effects of weakening unions, and we demand a stronger future.