Wisconsin Judge Restores Collective Bargaining Rights

A Dane County judge, Jacob Frost, has ruled to restore collective bargaining rights for Wisconsin public employees, which were largely stripped away by the 2011 law known as Act 10. This decision addresses the unequal treatment of public safety workers compared to other public employees, stating the previous law was unconstitutional. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has announced plans to appeal the ruling, which could lead the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, currently with a liberal majority. The ruling is seen as a significant legal victory for unions and may impact the future of labor rights in the state. Governor Scott Walker, who enacted Act 10, has criticized the ruling, asserting collective bargaining is not a right but an expensive entitlement. The outcome could have broad implications for public sector funding and employee rights in Wisconsin.