The Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, Janet Protasiewicz, rejected a Republican request to recuse herself from a pending case seeking to restore collective bargaining rights lost by state workers in 2011. The case involves overturning the law known as Act 10, which eliminated collective bargaining for most public unions. The court’s decision not to immediately hear the case means it will likely be considered after the April 1 election, where liberals hope to maintain their majority on the court.
Conservative Justice Brian Hagedorn, who helped write the law, withdrew from the case, leading to a 3-3 split between liberal and conservative justices. Unions have challenged the law for years, with a recent ruling finding it unconstitutional and pending appeal.
The introduction of the law in 2011 sparked mass protests and a national debate over union rights. It led to a decline in union membership in Wisconsin and a right-to-work law for private-sector unions. Supporters argue the law gives local governments control over costs, while opponents say it harms schools and government agencies.
Protasiewicz, who ran against the law in 2023, voiced her support for its unconstitutionality but believes she can impartially hear the case. The court’s decision on the case will have significant implications for public workers in Wisconsin.
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