The Wisconsin Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to Act 10, the 2011 law that largely eliminated collective‑bargaining rights for teachers and most public employees. The case, taken up by a 5‑to‑1 vote, follows a decade‑long push by labor groups to restore bargaining power, and it could directly affect Madison’s public‑school system.

According to WMTV, the lawsuit was filed by the Abbotsford Education Association, and Madison Teachers Inc. plans to ask the court to require a collective‑bargaining contract for the 2027‑28 school year if the law is struck down. Union president Andrea Missureli, who was a beginning teacher when Act 10 was signed and participated in the Capitol protests, said the organization has “proposals ready” and has been working “decades” toward a mandatory seat at the bargaining table.

Missureli outlined the union’s priorities, stating that any mandatory bargaining would cover health‑insurance benefits, teacher pay, termination procedures, layoffs, surplus allocations, and the school‑year calendar. She emphasized that “when our educators are thriving, our schools and students are thriving,” framing the issue as essential to Madison’s educational outcomes.

Supporters of Act 10 argue the legislation saved taxpayers billions of dollars, a point the union acknowledges but contests. Missureli warned that “taxes have already skyrocketed” and cited a string of recent referendums that she says “our local community can’t take the burden anymore.” She invoked the state Constitution, asserting that it obligates Wisconsin to fund its schools adequately.

What’s next: The Supreme Court’s hearing date has not been disclosed, but the court’s decision will determine whether Madison teachers can resume collective bargaining. If the law is overturned, the union intends to file its contract request on the first day of the hearing, targeting the 2027‑28 school year. Madison residents should watch for further updates from the court and the union as the case progresses.

Sources: wmtv15news.com