Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on Act 10 Ruling

"This Independence Day, Wisconsin can celebrate a crucial step towards restoring a fundamental freedom that helped the state prosper for more than a century. Judge Jacob Frost's ruling on Act 10 is a return to treating workers fairly by recognizing the right of all public employees to collectively bargain.

In 2011, then-Gov. Scott Walker sparked months of protests by rushing through the passage of Act 10. This anti-union legislation pits workers against workers, and local governments against their employees. Within the confines of this restrictive law, Madison did its best to treat its entire workforce with dignity and respect. Even so, Act 10 left an indelible mark on employee morale felt by teachers, state workers, and city staff in every corner of Wisconsin. Act 10 is yet another impediment imposed by the State that takes away local control in order to advance a divisive partisan agenda.

The City is still studying the impact of this ruling and what it means for our employees moving forward. But I'm hopeful this is the beginning of a new chapter where all workers, once again, have a seat at the table."