Superior Teachers Union Members Praise Court Ruling on Act 10

Many Superior teachers are celebrating this week following a court ruling on Act 10, restoring their right to collectively bargain.

The ruling was made by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Frost on Monday afternoon. Judge Frost ruled that the statute restricting the collective bargaining rights of public service workers violated the equal protection guarantee of the state constitution. While unions representing groups like teachers, nurses, and conservation workers had their collective bargaining rights limited, other groups of public employees like police officers and firefighters maintained those rights.

The statute known as Act 10 was passed and signed into law by former Governor Scott Walker in 2011. Former Governor Walker criticized the court decision in a statement on X.

Monday’s ruling will allow those unions to negotiate for better conditions beyond just higher wages, and no longer requires them to undertake an annual recertification process.

Members of the Local American Federation of Teachers Union in Superior were particularly excited about the ruling. According to a Northern News Now report, union leader Kim Kohlhass blamed Act 10 for larger class sizes and decreased funding and resources.

Like many other districts across the state, the Superior School District has been forced to turn to operational referendums for desperately needed funding. Earlier this year, the district was forced to permanently close a school and cut staff due to budget constraints. In the November election, local residents approved an operational referendum to prevent further cuts due to a lack of adequate funding.

While celebrating the decision, officials are also mindful of an expected appeal with the state Supreme Court. The court currently holds a 4-3 liberal majority, but the upcoming election for Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s seat could result in a 4-3 conservative majority instead.