A Wisconsin judge rules that the state’s anti-union law, Act 10, is unconstitutional, allowing public sector employees to collectively bargain with their government employers once again. The law was passed in 2011, stripping most state workers of their negotiation rights, sparking massive protests and controversy. The ruling, made by Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost, found that the law’s provisions violated equal protection under the state constitution. While Republicans plan to appeal, union leaders and Democratic lawmakers welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of restoring workers’ rights. With the fate of Act 10 likely heading to the state Supreme Court, the outcome could have significant implications. The ruling comes over a decade after its passage by former Gov. Scott Walker, marking a potential shift in the legal landscape surrounding collective bargaining in Wisconsin. The decision is seen as a victory for workers and a step towards ensuring fair treatment and democratic participation in the workplace. This development highlights the ongoing battle between labor rights and government policy, reflecting broader societal tensions around workers’ rights in the United States.
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