Judge rules Wis. union law not in effect

MADISON, Wis. -- A Wisconsin judge Thursday did what thousands of pro-union protesters and boycotting Democratic lawmakers couldn't -- halting Republican Gov. Scott Walker's plans, at least temporarily, to cut most public workers' pay and strip them of most of their union rights.

Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi issued a declaration stating in no uncertain terms that the collective bargaining law that led to weeks of large protests at the state Capitol had not taken effect, contradicting Republican arguments that it had because a state office published it online.

Hours later, Walker said his administration would comply despite misgivings about the order. "In my mind it's not a matter of if the law goes back [into effect], it's just a matter of when," he said.

Democrats and union leaders said Sumi's declaration showed the arrogance that Walker and his allies have shown in trying to push through the polarizing law.

Republicans had bulldozed through every attempt to stop the law, including an earlier order from Sumi meant to stop its implementation while she considered a challenge to its legitimacy.

But Sumi's declaration yesterday put Walker and his allies on the defensive, leaving them to decide between waiting for the legal challenge to be resolved and trying to pass the measure again. The GOP leaders of the Senate and Assembly have said they don't plan to try passing the bill again after the legislature resumes its session Tuesday.

In related news, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, has signed a bill to limit the collective bargaining rights of 350,000 public workers.

Kasich signed the bill in Columbus on Thursday, a day after it was approved by the GOP-led state House and Senate. Opponents have vowed to push for repeal in the November election.

The bill applies to police officers, firefighters, teachers and many other government workers. It prevents unions from negotiating wages but not health care, sick time or pension benefits. It also eliminates automatic pay increases and bans strikes.