Card check preview? Wisconsin research assistants may unionize without voting

UNDATED (WSAU) Starting in July, U-W research assistants might become the first public employees in Wisconsin to unionize without having an election.

The governor and Legislature agreed last year to give collective bargaining rights to the research assistants – most of whom work at the Madison and Milwaukee campuses. But unlike other state employees, the research aides can unionize if more than half sign cards supporting the move. In other cases, 30-percent must sign cards – and then the employees must hold an election before they can start a union.

A hearing will be held tomorrow to consider details on how the new system will work.