What's Next For Act 10?

CREATED Sep. 17, 2012

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NEENAH, WI--The battle over Wisconsin's collective bargaining law rages on. A Dane county judge ruled Act 10 unconstitutional on Friday. Now, Wisconsin's attorney general says he'll see to it that the law continues to be enforced by asking for a "stay" while appeals are pending.

Despite the judge's ruling Governor Walker says he is confident the courts will side with him. Meanwhile, union members are "cautiously optimistic" on what the ruling means for their future.

"It was the first good news we've had in a long time," said Mark Westphal.

Westphal, president of the Fox Valley Area Labor Council says the future is looking up. It's a big change from when protestors took to the capitol last February and March, when Governor Walker signed Act 10 into law.

"This has kind of rejuvenated some of the enthusiasm among union members. Especially among those in the public sector," said Westphal.

Judge Colas' ruling overturns Act 10 for city, municipal and school district employees. The law remains in effect for state workers and workers for the University of Wisconsin system. But as far as the governor is concerned, this case is far from closed.

"I think you've got an activist judge in Dane county like you've seen so many times in the past. Ultimately we're confident that when it comes to the court of appeals and the supreme court the law will be upheld," said Governor Walker.

Governor Walker says the court of public opinion is already on his side.

"We had an election on June 5th, we won by a larger margin than we did two years ago on an issue that was ultimately this issue," said Governor Walker.

The attorney general will request a stay this week to ensure the law continues to be enforced until the courts make their final decision,  which could take months.