Wisconsin Court Reverses Decision on Collective Bargaining Rights

WHO:

ABC News - Wisconsin public worker and teachers unions

ABC News - Christina Brey, spokesperson for the unions

ABC News - Scott Walker, former Republican Governor of Wisconsin

AP News - Seven unions and three union leaders involved in the lawsuit

AP News - Wisconsin Supreme Court, controlled by liberal justices

WHAT:

ABC News - A Wisconsin appeals court restored a 2011 anti-union law that abolished collective bargaining rights.

AP News - The law, known as Act 10, effectively ended most public employees' ability to bargain for wage increases and other issues.

ABC News - The appeals court ruled in a 2-1 decision to overturn a December 2024 ruling from Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost.

AP News - The law has been in effect for the past 15 years and remains unchanged as the legal fight continues.

ABC News - The law led to a dramatic decrease in union membership across Wisconsin.

WHERE:

ABC News - Madison, Wisconsin

AP News - Wisconsin state Capitol

WHEN:

ABC News - The appeals court ruling occurred on a Wednesday.

AP News - The lawsuit was filed in November 2023.

AP News - The primary election for governor is scheduled for August 11.

WHY:

ABC News - Supporters of the law argue it gives local governments more control over workers and the powers needed to cut costs.

ABC News - Opponents argue the law has hurt schools and government agencies by stripping employees of the right to collectively bargain over pay and working conditions.

HOW:

ABC News - The law allows public unions to bargain solely over base wage increases no greater than inflation.

ABC News - The law disallowed the automatic withdrawal of union dues and required annual recertification votes for unions.

ABC News - The appeals court stated that courts must respect both precedent and the Legislature’s fiscal policy decisions.

(UPDATED July 29, 2026 21:21 UTC)

In a significant ruling, a Wisconsin appeals court has restored a controversial 2011 anti-union law known as Act 10, which abolished collective bargaining rights for most public employees. The law, which has been in effect for 15 years, limits public unions to bargaining only over base wage increases that do not exceed inflation and requires annual recertification votes, leading to a dramatic decrease in union membership across the state. As the legal battle continues, the primary election for governor is set for August 11, with supporters of the law arguing it grants local governments more control over costs, while opponents claim it has negatively impacted schools and government agencies.