What's in a name? In politics, the answer is 'everything!' So why is it called Right-to-Work legislation?

MADISON (WITI) -- The controversial Right-to-Work issue may be settled by the end of this week. As lawmakers debate the language of the bill, FOX6 is examining the name of the legislation itself.

The bill would prevent private businesses from entering labor agreements with unions that force workers to pay union fees. The controversial legislation states "No person may require, as a condition or obtaining or continuing employment..." that a worker "pay any dues...to a labor organization." A violation, by businesses or unions, would carry criminal penalties of nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

So why is it called Right-to-Work legislation?

Shakespeare once famously asked, 'what's in a name?' In politics, the answer is 'everything.' Because he who names it, frames it.

"In modern day politics, both the left and the right have gotten really good with spin, with phrases, with bumper sticker slogans," UW-Milwaukee professor Mordecai Lee said.

Lee says even though the legislation is officially entitled Right-to-Work in black-and-white on the bill, it is important to examine just how that language is tilting the discussion.

"It's already got spin buried in it.  In other words, it's already got the answer.  'Should people have a right to work?' 'Oh sure, people should have a right to work,'" Lee said.

It became a central theme of the contentious Assembly hearing Monday.

"People have had the right to work all of their lives," Will Wilson said in his testimony before the Assembly Labor Committee.

Union workers have become fond of calling the bill by another name.

"Right-to-Work for less, because it's going to bring down wages," Rick Pretzel said.

Supporters argue that won't happen, and they point to Indiana and Michigan, where wages have increased following the adoption of so-called Right-to-Work laws.

"Both of those states have consistently grown wages since they passed that law," Scott Manley with Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce said.

The Assembly bill's Republican author says the Right-to-Work bill would provide exactly what it states -- a right to make a choice in the workplace.

"This is going to give workers the right to choose if they want to be in that union or not," Rep. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) said.

Professor Lee says no matter how you feel, let substance, not spin dictate your opinion.

"It's important to step back and talk about this principle. Do people agree with the principle of not having to donate to a union whether you agree with its collective bargaining or not?  I think that's a big deal," Lee said.

To paraphrase Shakespeare once again, 'would a bill by any other name mean defeat?'  For the Democrats, most likely. Republicans hold a 63-36 majority, and the legislation is expected to sail through this week. The full Assembly is expected to vote Thursday.

Governor Walker has said he would sign Right-to-Work legislation should it make its way to his desk.

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