Wisconsin Assembly labor committee takes up right-to-work bill in expected 10-hour hearing

Testimony has begun at a public hearing on Wisconsin's right-to-work bill, after the measure rapidly passed the Senate last week.

The state Assembly labor committee's hearing is set to last 10 hours, and the gallery in the hearing room was full when the meeting began Monday morning. Committee Chairman Andre Jacque, a DePere Republican, said people who were turned away from a Senate committee hearing would get to testify first.

Early speakers evenly represented views for and against the bill.

Twenty-four other states have passed similar legislation to prohibit businesses and unions from reaching agreements requiring all workers, not just union members, to pay union dues. Supporters say workers should get to decide about joining. Opponents contend it'll reduce worker pay.

The full Assembly is expected to vote Thursday.