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WI SB579
WI SB579Collective bargaining for employees of the University of Wisconsin System, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
summary
Introduced
10/24/2025
10/24/2025
In Committee
10/24/2025
10/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill allows most University of Wisconsin System employees to collectively bargain over wages, hours, and conditions of employment. The bill also allows faculty and academic staff of the UW System to organize and to collectively bargain over wages, hours, and conditions of employment. Under current law, public employers and employees are prohibited from bargaining collectively except as expressly provided in the statutes. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill establishes collective bargaining rights for faculty and academic staff of the University of Wisconsin System by creating a new legal framework for labor relations. The bill creates a new subchapter in Wisconsin law that allows faculty and academic staff to form collective bargaining units, elect representatives, and negotiate on matters such as wages, hours, and conditions of employment. The bill specifically defines collective bargaining units for different campuses and categories of employees, outlines the process for holding elections, and establishes rules for negotiating and maintaining agreements. Key provisions include prohibiting strikes, defining unfair labor practices, and setting guidelines for mediation and arbitration. The bill allows employees to organize and bargain collectively while maintaining certain restrictions, such as not being able to negotiate on matters related to the university's core mission, academic freedom, or certain statutory rights. The legislation aims to create a structured approach to labor relations that balances the interests of employees, the university, and the public, with the ultimate goal of developing harmonious and cooperative workplace interactions within the University of Wisconsin System.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (58)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
Dora Drake (D)*,
Jodi Habush Sinykin (D)*,
Dianne Hesselbein (D)*,
LaTonya Johnson (D)*,
Sarah Keyeski (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Brad Pfaff (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Kelda Roys (D)*,
Jeff Smith (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Jamie Wall (D)*,
Bob Wirch (D)*,
Clint Anderson (D),
Deb Andraca (D),
Margaret Arney (D),
Mike Bare (D),
Jill Billings (D),
Brienne Brown (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Angelina Cruz (D),
Karen DeSanto (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Steve Doyle (D),
Jodene Emerson (D),
Joan Fitzgerald (D),
Russell Goodwin (D),
Kalan Haywood (D),
Francesca Hong (D),
Andrew Hysell (D),
Jenna Jacobson (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Tara Johnson (D),
Karen Kirsch (D),
Darrin Madison (D),
Renuka Mayadev (D),
Maureen McCarville (D),
Tip McGuire (D),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Supreme Moore Omokunde (D),
Greta Neubauer (D),
Lori Palmeri (D),
Christian Phelps (D),
Pricilla Prado (D),
Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Joe Sheehan (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Lee Snodgrass (D),
Ryan Spaude (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Shelia Stubbs (D),
Lisa Subeck (D),
Sequanna Taylor (D),
Angelito Tenorio (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Last Action
Fiscal estimate received (on 11/13/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb579 |
| Fiscal Note - SB579: Fiscal Estimate From ERC | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb579/sb579_erc.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB579: Fiscal Estimate From ETF | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb579/sb579_etf.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB579: Fiscal Estimate From UWS | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb579/sb579_uws.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB579.pdf |
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