Act 10 Ruled Unconstitutional

The notorious, union-busting Act 10 violates the Wisconsin Constitution’s equal protection guarantee. But the fight to restore the freedom to join together in union isn’t over yet – the case has been appealed.

People who do the same work and have the same authority should have the same rights and be treated the same – but Act 10 treated different groups of public safety employees differently.

Public-sector union rights were invented in Wisconsin in 1959, but in 2011, decades of legal practices that governed these unions were overturned. Gov. Scott Walker and the gerrymandered legislature unconstitutionally singled out unions that didn’t agree with their policies to be punished by artificially distinguishing between types of unions. On Dec. 2, 2024 Dane County Circuit Court Judge Frost ruled that unconstitutional.

This ruling – which reaffirms the right of public sector workers, including teachers, state and municipal employees, to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and safer working conditions – is a significant victory for Wisconsin’s working families and public employees. In his ruling, Judge Frost explained why he struck down all restrictions Act 10 imposed on general employee unions, saying that Act 10’s division of public employees into public safety and general employee categories lacks a rational basis.

Every Wisconsin family deserves the chance to build a better future through democratic participation in a union. Judge Frost’s ruling means that teachers, nurses, librarians, and other public-sector workers across the state will once again have a voice in the workplace. All restrictions Act 10 imposed on general employee unions were struck down.

We’re proud to be part of this important case, but the fight is not over. Add your name today to show your support for collective bargaining rights for Wisconsin’s public employees.