Wisconsin judge rules that collective bargaining vote violated state law

WI_Killthebill copy.jpg Collective bargaining may not have seen its demise in Wisconsin after all.

Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi ruled on May 26th that the meeting where Republicans cast the vote to limit collective bargaining for most public employees was in violation of the state's open meeting law.

But this ruling is by no means the final say on the situation. Arguments are scheduled to be heard at the Wisconsin Supreme Court on June 6th.

When the topic arose in legislature this winter, many Democrats left the region in an attempt to stop the bill. In March, Republicans found a loophole in law, allowing them to meet without a quorum if the bill didn't involve any money. Modifications were made, Republicans quickly and quietly met and passed the bill.

Wisconsin's new law limiting collective bargaining was a direct shot at weakening the ability of middle-class public employees to have a strong voice. It did nothing but hurt workers, while simultaneously undermining a century of labor improvements.

The decision spurred on protests and a massive recall effort of the governor.

The same judge who made the May 26 decision had previously blocked the law on procedural grounds, causing it not to take effect.

Originally posted on SEIU Local 1948/Public School Employees of Washington's website here.