MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court has agreed to hear a lawsuit seeking to overturn Act 10, the controversial 2011 law that largely eliminated collective bargaining rights for public employees.
In a 5-1 decision Wednesday, justices agreed to take up the challenge brought by labor unions seeking to reverse the law enacted under former Republican Governor Scott Walker. Conservative Justice Annette Ziegler dissented, while Justice Brian Hagedorn, who helped write Act 10 while serving as Walker’s legal counsel, did not participate in the decision.
The court’s decision comes as Wisconsin Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of the state Legislature in January. Governor-elect David Crowley has expressed support for reversing Act 10, although he says his administration would need to examine the potential financial impact, including on taxpayers.
Incoming Democratic Assembly Speaker Greta Neubauer has also indicated support for restoring collective bargaining rights, saying Democrats intend to work with Crowley to determine when to pursue legislation. Incoming Senate Majority Leader Dianne Hesselbein says she wants to discuss the details with the governor-elect before committing to a timeline.
Republicans are criticizing the court’s decision, including Senate Minority Leader Julian Bradley.
“The new Democrat trifecta committed to reversing Act 10, but the state’s activist left-wing Supreme Court is trying to beat them to the punch,” Bradley said in a statement.
