"This is something that's going to affect everybody:" Thousands rally in Madison over Right-to-Work bill

MADISON (WITI) -- The state Capitol was once again the backdrop for protest over the so-called 'Right-to-Work' bill in Madison today. The bill has already passed the State Senate, even though union supporters say it would lower wages and workplace safety.

Union supporters gathered at the steps of the Capitol. Their biggest question over Right-to-Work legislation is "who really wants this?"

On Saturday, February 28th, the sky was as clear as their message. The temperature was as cold as the truth often is. The fight against Right-to-Work is not going to be easy.

The Senate passed a bill on Wednesday and union leaders acknowledged a  bill banning union dues will likely become law.

"In school what they are doing we would call bullying and we will not stand for it. We will stand up for the families in this state," said Betsy Kippers, with Wisconsin Education Association, or WEAC.



Speakers told the crowd to become more involved in Wisconsin's unions and play a greater role in the political process.

"It takes numbers to force that to happen. It's not going to happen with a couple of thousand of people. Walker didn't let it happen with 100,000 people, so  maybe it takes 200,000," said Randy Jasper, Muscoda grain farmer.

As a Senate vote nears, union members understand reversing any law is decidedly more difficult than preventing one from being passed.

"This is something that's going to affect everybody. Not just union members, this is everybody," said Tim Dobbratz, welder.

For several thousand union supporters, climbing the steps to the Capitol is a small feat compared to an uphill battle to defeat a bill -- they say no one from Wisconsin ever asked for.

Union leaders asked the crowd to return to Madison on Monday and register and speak out against Right-to-Work at a hear beginning at 10 a.m.