Judge to hear unions’ contempt arguments

By: Associated Press//October 21, 2013//

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Madison judge is scheduled to hear arguments over whether Wisconsin labor relations officials are in contempt of court for continuing to enforce portions of Gov. Scott Walker’s collective bargaining restrictions.

Dane County Circuit Judge Juan Colas ruled last year that the restrictions were unconstitutional as applied to two unions representing Madison teachers and Milwaukee public workers. It’s unclear whether the ruling applies to local government unions across the state, however, and the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission is still preparing to hold annual certification elections for more than 400 unions next month.

Attorneys for six unions have asked Colas to hold WERC in contempt. He’s expected to hear oral arguments Monday afternoon. It’s unclear whether he’ll rule at the end of the hearing or hand down a written decision later.

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