Wisconsin appeals court overturns ruling that had restored collective bargaining power

A Wisconsin appeals court overturned a December 2024 decision that had restored collective bargaining rights, a setback for unions and public workers in the state. The ruling stemmed from Wisconsin’s 2011 anti-union Act 10, backed by Republicans, which ended most public employees’ ability to bargain for wage increases and other issues and increased what workers pay for health insurance and retirement benefits. The appeals court kept the law in effect while the case continues. Unions are expected to appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which is controlled by liberal justices; the court’s composition was set to shift from 4-3 liberal to 5-2 after Chris Taylor joins next week. The legal challenge argues Act 10 creates unconstitutional exemptions for firefighters and other public safety workers.