Wisconsin Labor Reforms: Ending the Rule of Two

Republican lawmakers hope to finally end the labor unions’ “rule of two” in Wisconsin, which limits each journeyman to one apprentice, restricting the labor supply and driving up the cost of construction.

AB 241 would allow journeymen to take on two apprentices. It’s a modest change, given that other states allow journeymen to take on even more apprentices depending on the trade. In Michigan, electricians can have three apprentices and for other trades there is no state imposed limit at all.

Recently, construction companies in Wisconsin have started to ask lawmakers to increase the ratio so they can expand their training programs. For them, going from one to two apprentices for each journeyman is a big deal.

“This simple change gives small businesses the flexibility they need to meet workforce demand and expand opportunities for workers, especially in industries where skilled labor is in short supply,” explained Rep. Dave Maxey (R-New Berlin).

Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) added, “Some businesses are fortunate enough to have ample demand for those interested in their apprentice programs, but the current 1:1 ratio only allows some of these to begin the program. The other apprentices are left out and often leave the construction field all together.”

The rule of two was established in Wisconsin in 2018 by Republicans, and it was seen as a big step in the right direction. Previously, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) would sometimes require two to five journeymen for each apprentice, depending on perceived safety concerns.

The trade unions strongly opposed that reform back then on the grounds that “our primary concern being that it would compromise workplace safety.”

Flash forward to 2025. The number of apprentices increased with no impact on the number of workplace injuries.

“So, good news, the parade of horribles predicted by some in 2017 did not happen. The bad news is that there is still a construction skills gap,” John Schulze from Associated Builders and Contractors explained during a public hearing in May.

DWD also testified that day opposing the proposed expansion.

“Increasing the ratio to 1:2 may cause issues with safety and quality of instruction, jeopardizing Wisconsin's apprenticeship track record. DWD supports the safe and effective training of apprentices and emphasizes the importance of proper supervision to ensure both skill development and workplace safety,” Sec. Amy Pechacek stated.

Schulze simply pointed to Michigan, which was a popular example that day.

“I want to be clear that 1:2 is a measured compromise. For comparison, Michigan already has a 1:2 ratio for plumbing (one skilled plumber can supervise two apprentices), 1:3 for electrical apprentices, and no ratio limit for other construction apprentices, including sprinkler fitter. Michigan data has not shown any correlation between higher apprenticeship ratios and injury rates,” he explained.

The Assembly Committee on Workforce Development, Labor, and Integrated Employment approved AB 241 on a partisan vote on June 12^th. The assembly can take it up for a floor vote and then send it over to the senate at any time.