Disruptions lead Capitol police to clear Assembly gallery as marathon Right-to-Work session begins

MADISON (WITI/AP) — There were some disruptions at the Capitol in Madison Thursday, March 5th as the Wisconsin Assembly began a marathon session of debate on Right-to-Work legislation -- debate that's expected to stretch into Friday morning. The disruptions led Capitol police to clear the gallery Thursday afternoon. Late Thursday, a Department of Administration representative told FOX6 News two people were arrested after screaming profanities and refusing to stop.

Their specific motivations may differ, but union supporters gathered at the Capitol in Madison Thursday share similar goals.

"Daddy loves you, Charlie! I'm here for you and for your future, little one!" Dean Jopek with Local 113 said.

"We have to lift everybody up. When everybody is lifted up, we all benefit," Angie Hougas of McFarland said.

"They're gonna start it down in Illinois pretty soon too. We got a governor there -- he thinks along the same lines as this guy up here -- Walker. We're out here to try to nip it in the bud, and hopefully these people from up here will come down and help support us," Charlie Gallagher with the Laborers International Union of North America said.

A crowd Capitol police estimate at around 300 let legislators know how they feel about the Right-to-Work legislation.

The Right-to-Work bill is expected to pass the Assembly no later than 9:00 a.m. Friday. Governor Walker plans to sign it into law on Monday.

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.

The full Senate passed Right-to-Work legislation last week in a 17-15 vote.

Ahead of the start of debate within the Wisconsin Assembly, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO mobilized workers -- encouraging them to show up for a noon rally at the Capitol.

"Not only do I have to represent Milwaukee and the working people, I also feel that I owe it to my kids and my grandkids. I also think that -- not on my watch," union supporter Maurice Pulley said.

Upon learning the union supporters who gathered in the gallery had been cleared by Capitol police due to disruptions, the scene intensified outside the Assembly chamber doors.

"They're sending in the troopers right now to try and clear us out!" Miles Kristan said.

Kathy Liska is one of those opposed to the Right-to-Work legislation.

"This shirt says everything. This is our land! I have absolutely no understanding for why the Republicans can't look across the river. Can't they drive 300 miles across the river and see how everything is going so well in Minnesota?" Liska said.

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