Wisconsin Supreme Court hears arguments in UW Health nurses’ union case
In a case that could impact labor rights for UW Health nurses, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday. The nurses are seeking to form a union under the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Wisconsin. The arguments by UW Health’s lawyer, James Goldschmidt, centered around whether the health system is required to collectively bargain with its employees under Act 10, a law that restricted collective bargaining for state workers in 2011.
Attorney Tamara Packard, representing SEIU Wisconsin, argued that UW Health should be treated as a private employer and not subject to Act 10. The case stems from a compromise reached in 2022 to avoid a strike by the union, which was then challenged by UW Health. Justices on both sides posed tough questions during the hearing.
The ruling, which may take weeks or months to be issued, could determine whether UW Health is considered a public or private employer under Wisconsin labor law. The decision will have lasting implications for labor rights in the state.
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