Federal appeals court upholds Walker's union law

The Associated Press
Madison, Wis.

Share

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks during the NRA's Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits April 13, 2012 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri.
Whitney Curtis/Getty Images

A federal appeals court has upheld Republican Gov. Scott Walker's public union restrictions.

The restrictions stripped most public workers of nearly all their collective bargaining rights. Two unions representing city of Madison and Dane County public workers filed a lawsuit in 2011 alleging the law violated their right to freely assembly and equal protection.

U.S. District Judge William Conley found the restrictions constitutional in September. A three-judge 7th Circuit Court of Appeals panel affirmed Conley's ruling on Friday, saying the U.S. Constitution doesn't require the state to maintain policies that allow certain associations to thrive.

The unions' attorney didn't immediately respond to an email message.

A 7th Circuit panel upheld the restrictions in a separate challenge from the state's largest teachers union in January.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Providing Support for MPR.
Learn More
Program ScheduleStation Directory