Wisconsin Supreme Court to Review Act 10 Collective Bargaining Law

The Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed to hear a lawsuit filed by seven public sector unions, including the Abbotsford Education Association, seeking to overturn Act 10. The 2011 law, signed by former Governor Scott Walker, limits collective bargaining for most public employees to base wage increases capped at the inflation rate. The plaintiffs argue the law violates the state constitution's equal protection clause by granting carve-outs to certain public safety workers while denying them to others, such as correctional officers.

The court's decision to review the case follows a series of conflicting lower court rulings. Dane County Judge Jacob Frost declared the law unconstitutional in December 2024, but the Wisconsin Court of Appeals reversed that decision in July 2026. Five liberal justices voted to hear the case, while Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler dissented.

Simultaneously, incoming Democratic leadership is moving to reverse the measure legislatively. Governor-elect David Crowley, Assembly Speaker Greta Neubauer, and Senate Majority Leader-elect Dianne Hesselbein have all signaled their intent to restore collective bargaining rights. Hesselbein indicated this reversal could occur within the first few months of the next session.

Republicans and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty oppose the move, claiming the law has saved taxpayers over $35 billion. Senate Minority Leader Julian Bradley characterized the effort as a tax increase, citing estimates that overturning the law would cost taxpayers $2 billion annually. In response, Crowley proposed a blue ribbon commission to manage the state's long-term fiscal sustainability.