66.0508 Collective bargaining.

(1) In this section, “local governmental unit" has the meaning given in s. 66.0506 (1).

(1m) Except as provided under subch. IV of ch. 111, no local governmental unit may collectively bargain with its employees.

(2) If a local governmental unit has in effect on June 29, 2011, an ordinance or resolution that is inconsistent with sub. (1m), the ordinance or resolution does not apply and may not be enforced.

(3) Each local governmental unit that is collectively bargaining with its employees shall determine the maximum total base wages expenditure that is subject to collective bargaining under s. 111.70 (4) (mb) 2., calculating the consumer price index change using the same method the department of revenue uses under s. 73.03 (68).

History: 2011 a. 10.

Sub. (1m)'s plain language prohibits municipal employers from reaching binding agreements with their general employees on a collective basis, if the agreement concerns anything other than the employees' base wages. Sub. (1m) does not violate union members' rights to petition the government for redress of grievances, nor do 2011 Act 10's various restrictions, in their cumulative effect, violate their associational rights. Laborers Local 236, AFL-CIO v. Walker, 749 F. 3d 628 (2014).

2011 Act 10's various restrictions, in their cumulative effect, do not violate union members' associational rights. The 1st amendment does not require the state to maintain policies that allow certain associations to thrive. For the most part, the Bill of Rights enshrines negative liberties. It directs what government may not do to its citizens, rather than what it must do for them. Laborers Local 236, AFL-CIO v. Walker, 749 F. 3d 628 (2014).

2011 Act 10's treatment of union employees and individual employees did not infringe fundamental 1st amendment rights and did not violate equal protection. Wisconsin is not treating employees differently based on the employees' exercise of their associational rights. Act 10 does not mandate any form of unfavorable treatment for union members. These employees still possess every right, and are given every opportunity, that the state grants to their colleagues who elect not to join a union, but Wisconsin has refused to participate in an activity that the represented employees want the state to engage in. Laborers Local 236, AFL-CIO v. Walker, 749 F. 3d 628 (2014).