MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that prohibits local governments from requiring contractors working on public projects to use collective bargaining agreements.
The governor signed the bill into law Monday at AmeriLux International, a De Pere manufacturer of building materials.
Republican supporters of the measure argue it gives non-union firms more opportunities to win public work. Democratic opponents say it is another attempt to limit the influence of unions in the state and diminish local control.
Few places in the state require the agreements. More than 20 other states have passed similar legislation.
Hans Ahlström is the host of several programs including the daily musical variety show Weekday, the mostly straight ahead jazz show Night Studio, the self explanatory Blues Today, and the eclectic Sound Spectrum. You can also hear Hans as the local host of NPR's All Things Considered news magazine. He also helps manage Public Radio 90's web content, interviews local and visiting writers and artists, works with NMU student interns, and writes the occasional news story.