Newly Formed Group Will Push For Right-To-Work Law In Wisconsin

A conservative activist has formed a new group to push for a right-to-work law in Wisconsin.

In a written statement, Lorri Pickens announced the formation of a group called Right to Work Wisconsin on Monday, saying its goal would be advancing freedom in the workforce. Pickens, who has worked for the conservative Americans for Prosperity, did not return a call or email seeking comment.

Right-to-work laws ban mandatory union shops in the private sector. Scot Ross of the liberal group One Wisconsin Now said that would make it harder for workers to make sure their working conditions are safe and equitable.

“You know, it’s the same playbook from four years ago that tore Wisconsin apart,” said Ross. “We saw Governor (Scott) Walker say anything to get elected. Now he and his Republican groups are launching this frontal assault on Wisconsin’s middle class working men and women.”

Unions warned this year that if Gov. Scott Walker won re-election, it would lead to right-to-work in Wisconsin. Three months ago, Walker flatly rejected that claim.

“Absolutely wrong — couldn’t be more inaccurate. That’s the kind of scare factor and distortions that they tried to put out before,” he said.

Still, Walker has never gone so far as to say he would veto right-to-work should it reach his desk, and he sponsored a right-to-work bill as a member of the state Legislature.