This is a cross-post from the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO by Karen Hickey in AFL-CIO Field Communications.
One hundred years ago today Wisconsin’s Republican governor put aside partisan politics to sign a law protecting workers. On May 3, 1911, Wisconsin Republican Gov. Francis McGovern signed the nation’s first constitutionally upheld workers’ compensation law.
The law, which helps workers who have been hurt or injured on the job, was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the state Senate and Assembly, reminding us that Wisconsin has a progressive history of coming together to protect the working people of the state. This law also was passed because workers and their unions organized, fought and demanded action from employers and their government.
“In a drastic turn of events, 100 years after the legislature put aside party politics to ensure fair treatment of workers, we are seeing severe political attacks on Wisconsin’s working families,” explained Phil Neuenfeldt, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO president.
Instead of working together to ensure the safety of all workers in our state, our current governor is pushing through a partisan agenda, which punishes workers in order to pay back corporations and political allies.
“What we are seeing in our current administration is shameful,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, secretary-treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.
Wisconsin has a progressive history where our elected leaders put aside party differences for the good of the state. On this day, the 100th anniversary of the passage of the nation’s first workers’ compensation law, we commit to fight the assault on workers’ rights to bargain for fairer workplaces, safer workplaces and a better life and a brighter future for all.
For more information on workers’ compensation, visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development by clicking here.
