This past week, a Dane County Circuit Judge overturned key aspects of Act 10. While some heralded the likely temporary dissolution of Act 10, some of Wisconsin’s top officials said they wouldn’t stop until it was back in place.
But first, let’s back up and explain what Act 10 is.
Act 10 was established in 2011 and limits public employees' right to collectively bargain. Wage increases cannot exceed the inflation rate. All other employment conditions, including benefits packages like healthcare, dental, vacation, and sick time, and working conditions, like considerations of safety on the job, are not up for debate with employees.
Act 10 applies to all public sector employees. However, police officers and firefighters are noticeably absent from this list. Police were able to keep their union protections despite all other public employees losing theirs.
After the news broke about Act 10, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos released a statement claiming that “Act 10 has saved Wisconsin taxpayers more than $16 billion” and said he looked forward to arguing for its reimplementation once it is appealed.
I was shocked that so many people condemned the overturning of Act 10 and praised this law, which essentially bars working-class public sector employees – like teachers and public bus drivers – from exercising their right to collectively bargain.
But let’s be honest about what this is – yet another way for politicians to take rights and money from the working class. Worse, this narrative demonizes working-class public employees as somehow being greedy for wanting a livable wage and fair working conditions.
These employees are your neighbors, your friends, your family. Do we think a teacher making $50,000 should have to pay $100 a month towards their insurance because they couldn’t negotiate their health benefits? Is taking away the right of a construction worker not to have a say about safety conditions on the job the answer to righting our economic wrongs in Wisconsin?
Everyone deserves to be paid fairly regardless of race, sex, age, disability, or national origin. Everyone should have the right to join a union, which the U.S. Constitution protects.
Unions are one way of allowing employees a seat at the table and ensuring that corporations are not exploiting their workers. They can be a powerful force for securing civil rights and liberties.
Politicians should stop pitting the working class against each other and instead address the issues facing their constituents. There’s still much work to do to ensure that all workers are treated fairly, but one thing remains clear: workers deserve rights, liveable wages, and dignity.