In a landmark victory for organized labor in early December, Wisconsin unions successfully overturned major provisions of Act 10, the 2011 law that took away collective bargaining rights from most public service workers in the state. This achievement restored essential rights to thousands of Wisconsin public employees.
Signed into law in 2011 under then-Governor Scott Walker, Act 10 severely restricted collective bargaining rights for public employees, tied wage increases to inflation and required unions to hold annual recertification votes. The legislation sparked massive protests and galvanized union members across the state, but the road to overturning it was long and arduous.
“Today, we stand on the shoulders of thousands of workers who never gave up,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “This victory is more than just a legal triumph—it’s a testament to the power of solidarity and perseverance. It shows that when workers unite, we can achieve the impossible.”
The fight against Act 10 was won because of legal challenges, strategic organizing, and relentless advocacy. Key to the victory was the election of labor-friendly leaders, including Governor Tony Evers, who pledged to support workers’ rights. Union members and their allies also engaged in community outreach to build broad public support for restoring collective bargaining rights.
“When we fight, we win,” said Marty Beil, a former executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, who was a vocal opponent of Act 10. “This isn’t just about restoring rights; it’s about reclaiming dignity and respect for Wisconsin’s workers.”
The victory over Act 10 restores collective bargaining rights to public employees, enabling them to negotiate not only wages but also working conditions, benefits, and other critical aspects of their jobs. For unions, this means a stronger ability to advocate for their members and build lasting power.
“This is a game-changer for Wisconsin labor,” said Sara Rogers, a Milwaukee teachers’ union leader. “Our educators can finally sit at the table and have meaningful discussions about what’s best for our schools and students.”
After Act 10 was passed, teacher turnover jumped from 5% to 9% per year, and median compensation dropped by over $10,000. This decline was largely due to increased contributions toward retirement and health insurance.
“Let this be a rallying cry for workers everywhere,” said Bloomingdale. “The tide is turning, and we are proving that labor is a force to be reckoned with.”
“This is the dawn of a new era,” said Rogers. “We’re ready to fight for a Wisconsin where every worker has a voice and every job is a good job.”
