Enforcement and criminal penalties under Wisconsin's new 'right to work' law take many by surprise
MADISON, WI--The contractor was hopping mad when he called into a radio talk show about Wisconsin’s new “right to work” (RTW) law. He’d had a long and beneficial partnership with building trades unions and was angry about government interference in that relationship. He remained anonymous throughout the call—a good idea considering what he said next: “I’m going to defy the law.”
If he does, it could come at a heavy price. The law is emphatic. “Anyone who violates s. 111.04 (3) (a) is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.” That means a single violation of the proscription against conditioning employment on a worker’s decision to affiliate with or pay dues to a union—or not—can result in a $10,000 fine, nine months in jail, or both.
Less clear is how any aspect of the law will be enforced. Will employers have to sign periodic declarations of compliance, for example? Will unions be required to submit collective bargaining agreements to a state agency for review? In short, how will compliance be monitored?
“We’ve certainly given some thought to this,” said communications director Myranda Tanck, speaking for State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, who introduced the bill. Beyond criminal charges, there are few specifics. A violation, she said, “would fall under the purview of the local district attorneys, because it’s a misdemeanor.”
http://american-idle.newsvine.com/_news/2015/03/11/30745153-enforcement-and-criminal-penalties-under-wisconsins-new-right-to-work-law-take-many-by-surprise
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