Act 10 Upheld
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A panel of judges say the controversial law is perfectly legal. Video by nbc26.com
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A federal appeals court hands Governor Scott Walker a big victory. Friday, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Act 10.
The controversial law takes collective bargaining rights away from most public workers in the state.
It's the legislation that sparked a year of capitol chaos then a recall election. Now a panel of judges says Act 10 is perfectly legal.
"The real winners in this aren't me. It's not a political win," Governor Scott Walker said. "The real winners are the people of the state. The taxpayers of Wisconsin who now can have the people they newly elect at the local level and at the state level to be in charge of decisions regarding taxes and spending. Not a handful of government driven special interest."
Governor Walker and the republican controlled state legislature pushed Act 10 through in early 2011. It dramatically weakened public employee unions by limiting work conditions that can be bargained.
A federal judge in Madison struck down parts of the law last year, but Friday's ruling trumps that decision.
A spokeswoman for the Wisconsin Education Association Council says they're reviewing the ruling and their options.
"Our members will not give up on their commitment to restoring their right to negotiate for fair wages and safe working conditions in their schools," said Cristine Brey, with WEAC.
The decision could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Still to be determined are challenges to Act 10 in state court. A Dane County judge also struck down parts of the law. That case is waiting on the state court of appeals to make a ruling.
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