MADISON, Wis., May 7 (UPI) -- Some Wisconsin public employee unions are considering becoming voluntary associations if Gov. Scott Walker's anti-union legislation becomes law, officials say.
Bob McLinn, president of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, and Bryan Kennedy, president of the American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin, both said their unions are considering skipping the recertification votes required by the law the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday. The law also limits collective bargaining to wages with voter referenda required for any increase beyond the rate of inflation.
"There has been a discussion about not recertifying because of the fact that there would be little or no benefit," McLinn said.
Peter Davis, general counsel for the state Employment Relations Commission, said workers now protected by union contracts would still have civil service rules allowing them to contest suspensions or termination. The unions could focus on protecting those rights.
A judge stayed enforcement of the new labor law while it is being challenged in the courts. If it takes effect, recertification votes would be required every year for all public employee unions. They would have to get a majority of all members, not just those who vote.
