*Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 *

**Statement on the Wisconsin Legislature's Passage of Legislation To Prohibit Labor Unions From Collecting Mandatory Fees **

*March 9, 2015 *

It's no coincidence that the rise of the middle class in America coincided in large part with the rise of unions: workers who organized together for higher wages, better working conditions, and the benefits and protections that most workers take for granted today. So it's inexcusable that, over the past several years, just when middle class families and workers need that kind of security the most, there's been a sustained, coordinated assault on unions led by powerful interests and their allies in government.

So I'm deeply disappointed that a new antiworker law in Wisconsin will weaken, rather than strengthen, workers in the new economy. Wisconsin is a State built by labor, with a proud proworker past. So even as its Governor claims victory over working Americans, I'd encourage him to try and score a victory for working Americans by taking meaningful action to raise their wages and offer them the security of paid leave. That's how you give hard-working middle class families a fair shot in the new economy, not by stripping their rights in the workplace, but by offering them all the tools they need to get ahead.

NOTE: The statement referred to Gov. Scott K. Walker of Wisconsin.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Wisconsin, legislation prohibiting labor unions from collecting mandatory fees, passage*.*

*Names:* Walker, Scott K.

*Subjects:* Labor issues : Unions :: Labor movement and organized labor; Wisconsin : Governor; Wisconsin : Legislation prohibiting labor unions from collecting mandatory fees, passage.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201500163.