The state Senate passed a Republican version of a bill that would allow state employers to reduce the number of hours their employees work without being required to talk with labor unions, according to a statement from state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.
The bill aims to give state employers who are struggling financially the option to cut their workers’ hours instead of reverting to layoffs. Additionally, the bill would also allow workers whose hours have been cut to receive unemployment insurance.
The work-share bill was first created in both a Democratic form, which required discussion with labor unions, and the current Republican version. However, the Republican version was the only version to gain traction in the Republican-controlled legislature.
State Democrats maintain the current bill would infringe on state workers’ collective bargaining rights because it does not include mandatory discussions with unions.
The bill will now move on to Gov. Scott Walker for a signature.
