Wisconsin § 111.04 - Rights of employees.

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 111.04 — Rights of employees., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 111.04. Rights of employees.

111.04(1) (1) Employees shall have the right of self-organization and the right to form, join or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in lawful, concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection. 111.04(2) (2) Employees shall have the right to refrain from self-organization; forming, joining, or assisting labor organizations; bargaining collectively through representatives; or engaging in activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection. 111.04(3) (3) 111.04(3)(a) (a) No person may require, as a condition of obtaining or continuing employment, an individual to do any of the following: 111.04(3)(a)1. 1. Refrain or resign from membership in, voluntary affiliation with, or voluntary financial support of a labor organization. 111.04(3)(a)2. 2. Become or remain a member of a labor organization. 111.04(3)(a)3. 3. Pay any dues, fees, assessments, or other charges or expenses of any kind or amount, or provide anything of value, to a labor organization. 111.04(3)(a)4. 4. Pay to any 3rd party an amount that is in place of, equivalent to, or any portion of dues, fees, assessments, or other charges or expenses required of members of, or employees represented by, a labor organization. 111.04(3)(b) (b) This subsection applies to the extent permitted under federal law. If a provision of a contract violates this subsection, that provision is void. 111.04 History History: 2015 a. 1 . 111.04 Annotation Congress specifically reserved to the individual states the right to prohibit agreements that require employees to pay representative fees as a condition of employment. Passage of the right-to-work law in Wisconsin was within the province of the legislature. Sub. (3), as created by 2015 Wis. Act 1 , does not appropriate, transfer, or encumber money. Act 1 does not require labor organizations to provide services to anyone. Act 1 merely prohibits employers from requiring union membership or the payment of fees as a condition of employment. Unions have no constitutional entitlement to the fees of non-member employees. Machinists Local Lodge 1061 v. Walker, 2017 WI App 66 , 378 Wis. 2d 243 , 903 N.W.2d 141 , 16-0820 . 111.04 Annotation Under the holding and reasoning of Sweeney , 767 F.3d 654 (2014), 2015 Wis. Act 1 , and specifically sub. (3) (a) 3., is not preempted by the National Labor Relations Act and does not work an unconstitutional taking. International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139 v. Schimel, 210 F. Supp. 3d 1088 (2016). 111.04 Annotation Affirmed. 863 F.3d 674 (2017).

Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 111.04

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 111.04 cover?

Section 111.04 ("Rights of employees.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Wisconsin § 111.04?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 111.04" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.

How does Wisconsin § 111.04 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.