APPLETON, WI (AP)-- Labor unions that have seen their power in Wisconsin decline in the last four years say they plan to have a voice during the 2016 elections.
Stephanie Bloomingdale is secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO Wisconsin. She tells the Appleton Post-Crescent that unions are getting sharper on messaging and speaking up on issues.
Bloomingdale says union members are more politically engaged than ever before, and they understand what's at stake partly because of changes in collective bargaining rights passed in 2011 and the approval of right-to-work laws this summer.
She says union members plan to speak up on issues such as minimum wage, income inequality, paid family leave and fair scheduling.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says union membership has steadily dropped in Wisconsin in the last 10 years.
