A Wisconsin appeals court restored a 2011 anti-union law that abolished most public employees’ collective bargaining rights, a setback for unions and public workers that is expected to be appealed. The ruling reinstates Act 10’s limitations on bargaining—historically forcing larger employee contributions for health insurance and retirement benefits and restricting bargaining over wage increases beyond base pay. The legal fight has been national flashpoint territory since protests followed the law’s enactment. Union representatives said they expect to appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which is controlled by liberal justices. The state law remains in effect even as the case proceeds, since an earlier 2024 ruling striking down Act 10’s provisions was on hold pending appellate review. The decision matters for higher education as public universities and K-12 systems in Wisconsin navigate labor relations, staffing stability, and costs tied to bargaining scope while the case proceeds toward state high court review.