UW faculty and staff could soon gain collective bargaining rights.
The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee on Tuesday approved a provision in the state budget that allows faculty and staff on UW campuses to unionize. State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) says it's an issue of basic fairness, with 31 states already allowing the practice. Additionally, he says seven other Big Ten state already allow it as well.
However, state Representative Robin Vos (R-Racine) argued the provision is only meant to help union supporters and does not belong in the budget. Vos says the measure puts additional costs on the UW System, at a time when they're already losing funding.
The measure passed 12-4, with Republicans voting against.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:02)
