New Bill Includes Collective Bargaining Rights for UW Health Workers

MADISON, WI — Today, Senator Jeff Smith (D–Brunswick) and Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) introduced legislation that would modernize collective bargaining rights for UW Health employees, giving these essential healthcare workers a stronger voice in their workplace and ensuring the highest quality care for their patients.

The bill addresses long-standing challenges in how UW Health employees negotiate by fully restoring collective bargaining rights protected under the Wisconsin Employment Peace Act. It also allows for a straightforward process for a majority of workers to request and gain recognition and allows any recognized units effective structures to support and communicate about their union.

“In the Chippewa Valley, our nursing graduates enter the workforce eager to start a meaningful career caring for patients,” said Sen. Smith. “We must do everything we can to support the dedicated professionals who care for our families and ensure patients have the highest quality care possible.”

“Our nurses sacrifice every day for us, working long hours and missing holidays with their families to keep our communities healthy and strong,” said Rep. Subeck, “We are introducing the Patient Care and Worker Freedom Act because our UW nurses deserve the power of a union to collectively bargain for fair pay, reasonable hours, and a safe workplace in which to provide the highest level of care for their patients.”

“It’s our love for our patients and our community that’s kept our union committed to restoring our full collective bargaining rights. I’m so proud to support this bill because it’s not just a step towards our goal of restoring our rights as essential workers for the public good; it’s a testament to our commitment to each other and our refusal to give up,” said Laura Katter, a member of UW Nurses United. “This bill is not just a win for workers at UW, but for all our patients and our community we love dearly.”

Bill Highlights

• Full Collective Bargaining Rights: Restores UW Health employees right to full collective bargaining rights under the Wisconsin Employment Peace Act.

• Defined Bargaining Units: Establishes clear collective bargaining unit structures for different employee classifications such as nurses, physicians, professionals, technical, clerical, and others.
• Empowerment of Workers: Allows UW Health employees full collective bargaining representation by demonstrating majority support.
• Worker Communication: Ensures union employees can use effective communication systems and present information at new employee orientation sessions.
• Labor Stability Measures: Requires advance notice for strikes and lockouts where no collective bargaining agreement is in place, promoting continuity of patient care and stability in service delivery.

Sen. Smith emphasized that the legislation is designed to improve workplace conditions while safeguarding UW Health’s mission of delivering world-class care throughout the state. The bill will be considered during the 2025–2026 legislative session.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.