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WI SB965
WI SB965Collective bargaining for employees of the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority.
summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill makes a number of changes with respect to collective bargaining for employees of the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. The bill does all of the following: 1. Provides that certain employees of the UWHCA may authorize a representative of a collective bargaining unit by a majority of the employees in the LRB-6069/1 MIM&ARG:wlj&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 965 bargaining unit indicating their preference through a petition for certification in lieu of an election and requires the Employment Relations Commission to certify the representative as the representative of the collective bargaining unit. Under current law, a majority of employees in a collective bargaining unit may select a representative only through an election. 2. Requires UWHCA to allow representatives of collective bargaining units representing employees of the authority to present information at any mandatory orientation for new employees. 3. Requires UWHCA to allow representatives of collective bargaining units representing employees of the authority to use the authority’s email system and other workplace communication systems to discuss workplace issues and the administration of collective bargaining agreements and for employee organizing activity.
AI Summary
This bill makes several changes to the collective bargaining process for employees of the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority (UWHCA). It allows employees to authorize a representative for collective bargaining through a petition signed by a majority of employees in a bargaining unit, rather than requiring an election, and mandates the Employment Relations Commission to certify this representative. The bill also requires the UWHCA to permit union representatives to present information at new employee orientations, use the authority's email and communication systems for workplace discussions, internal union matters, and organizing activities, and to meet with employees in common break areas during non-work periods for similar purposes. Additionally, it clarifies that the UWHCA is considered an "employer" for collective bargaining purposes and establishes specific procedures for creating and certifying bargaining units for UWHCA employees, including provisions for registered nurses, physicians, and other professional and non-professional staff. The bill also addresses notice requirements for lockouts and strikes between the UWHCA and its employee representatives and clarifies that fringe benefits governed by Chapter 40 of the statutes are subject to collective bargaining agreements where allowed by that chapter.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
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),
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),
Robyn Vining (D),
Last Action
Read first time and referred to Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs (on 02/06/2026)
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/sb965 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB965.pdf |
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