Wisconsin Assembly slogs through debate on right-to-work bill; unions cry foul

By Brendan O'Brien MADISON, Wis. (Reuters) - Weary Wisconsin lawmakers debated into the early hours of Friday a measure supported by Republican Governor Scott Walker that would stop private-sector workers from having to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment. Opponents call the draft law a thinly disguised assault on organized labor that will drive down wages, and security staff had to clear the Assembly gallery on Thursday after protesters temporarily halted the debate with chants. Wisconsin would be the 25th state to enact such a law and Walker's history of pushing back against union rights has bolstered his credentials as an early favorite in the battle for the Republican nomination in the 2016 presidential election. "This is about freedom ... it's time for right-to-work in Wisconsin," said Republican Representative Dean Knudson.

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