In a decision that is likely to be appealed, a Wisconsin appeals court on Wednesday restored Act 10, a 2011 law that abolished collective bargaining rights, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The ruling is considered a setback for unions and public workers, but unions are expected to appeal, sending the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
A 2024 ruling striking down the law as unconstitutional had been on hold pending appeal. As the legal battle continues, the law remains in effect as it has been the past 15 years.
Act 10 effectively gutted most public employees′ ability to bargain for wages and forced them to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits.
Supporters of the law, which was introduced and later signed into law by former Gov. Scott Walker, say it gives local governments more control over their employee costs, while opponents argue the law has hurt schools and government agencies by stripping employees of the right to collectively bargain over compensation and working conditions.
Christina Brey, a spokesperson for the unions that brought the lawsuit, said they are considering their legal options and are confident in the merits of their case.
In a text message, Walker, a Republican, praised the decision, calling it a “major win for the hard-working taxpayers of Wisconsin and the people they elect to run our schools, state, and local governments.”
All five of the Democratic candidates for governor have vowed to repeal Act 10 if elected, but they would need their party to regain control of the Wisconsin Legislature in order to advance the necessary legislation.
