Federal & State Regulations | Unfair labor practices - Wisconsin

State Info

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Wisconsin has labor relations laws that provide similar protections as those of the National Labor Relations Act regarding unfair labor practices in private sector employment.

The state’s labor relations law covers all private sector employees except domestic service workers, any individual employed by his or her parent or spouse, or any employee who is subject to the federal railway labor act.

Unfair labor practices

It is an unfair labor practice for an employer individually or in concert with others:

To interfere with, restrain or coerce employees in the exercise of collective bargaining/labor relations rights.
To initiate, create, dominate or interfere with the formation or administration of any labor organization or contribute financial support to it. Employer can, however, reimburse employees at their prevailing wage rate for the time spent conferring with the employer.
To encourage or discourage membership in any labor organization, employee agency, committee, association or representation plan by discrimination in regard to hiring, tenure or other terms or conditions of employment except in a collective bargaining unit where an all-union, fair-share or maintenance of membership agreement is in effect. An employer is not prohibited from entering into an all-union agreement with the voluntarily recognized representative of the employees in a collective bargaining unit, where at least a majority of such employees voting have voted affirmatively.
To refuse or fail to recognize or accept as conclusive of any issue in any controversy as to employment relations the final determination, after appeal, if any, of any tribunal having competent jurisdiction of the same or whose jurisdiction the employer accepted.
To discharge or otherwise discriminate against an employee because the employee has filed charges or given information or testimony in good faith under the provisions of collective bargaining law.
To deduct labor organization dues or assessments from an employee’s earnings, unless employee gives written approval.
To employ any person to spy upon employees or their representatives respecting their exercise of any right created or approved by this subchapter.
To make, circulate or cause to be circulated a blacklist.
To commit any crime or misdemeanor in connection with any controversy as to employment relations.
To fail to give the notice of intention to engage in a lockout.

Right to work

The state has no right to work law.

Public employees

Wisconsin has specific labor relations laws for state and municipal employment.