Wisconsin Unions Consider Options Following Collective Bargaining Ruling

Teachers will demand new contract negotiations

Wisconsin school and government employee unions on Monday were considering whether to seek new contract talks after a state court threw out a new law that restricts public workers' collective bargaining rights.

At least one major union representing about 4,700 teachers in Madison said it will demand new contract negotiations, while others said they were considering their options.

A Dane County judge ruled Friday that the law, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2011, violates the school and local employees' constitutional rights to free speech, free association and equal representation. Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has said he will ask a court to put the ruling on hold while he prepares an appeal.