MADISON, WI (AP)-- The Wisconsin Senate is set to take up a contentious right-to-work bill after an evening of bitter protests at the state Capitol.
The Senate plans to consider the bill Wednesday afternoon. Debate looks to be fierce. Democrats are incensed after Republicans on the Senate's labor committee cut a public hearing on the bill short Tuesday night, enraging dozens of people who had waited all day to speak.
Throngs of union supporters converged on the Senate chamber immediately after the hearing, chanting. That went on for about an hour and a half before Capitol Police closed the building. All but one protester left of their volition. Police led the remaining demonstrator away.
Right-to-work laws prohibit private companies from reaching labor agreements in which workers have to pay fees to unions as a condition of employment.