Madison Teachers Union Demands Negotiations after Act 10 Ruling Restores Right to Collective Bargaining

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – Madison’s teachers’ union is ready to negotiate after a Dane County judge struck down parts of Wisconsin’s Act 10 law. 

Judge Jacob Frost ruled last Monday to repeal much of Act 10. Specifically, he overturned parts of the law that banned collective bargaining for most public sector employees. 

Republicans have already filed an appeal to take the case to a higher court. It will likely end up in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. 

Meanwhile, Madison’s teachers’ union sent a letter to the school district to start bargaining. Madison Teachers Inc. represents about 2,700 members of Madison Metropolitan School District staff. 

“MTI is formally communicating our demand that MMSD bargain with MTI’s certified bargaining units as soon as possible,” the letter read. 

District officials said they’re consulting their lawyers on what to do next. 

“Staff are carefully reviewing the ruling’s specifics and working to understand its full impact on district practices and its relationship to the labor unions representing our staff,” said MMSD public information officer Ian Folger. “MMSD will stay informed about legal proceedings, consult with legal counsel to understand the precise implications of the ruling, and ensure that changes, if any, are implemented thoughtfully and transparently.”