MADISON, Wis. — UW Health does not have to recognize a union that nurses have fought to restore, according to a ruling from the state's labor commission released Friday.

The decision is a setback for the health care workers who have spent the last few years pushing for recognition. However, the effort is far from over.

What You Need To Know

• As part of an agreement in September between UW Health and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to avoid a work stoppage by nurses, both parties asked the state's labor commission to determine if the hospital can recognize a union and collectively bargain with employees


• The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) ruled Friday that UW Health does not have to recognize a union according to state law due to changes from Act 10 passed in 2011


• UW Health plans to petition the state Supreme Court for further legal clarification, as well as to determine if voluntary recognition is allowed


• Nurses plan to appeal WERC's ruling through the courts and petition the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

In September, UW Health and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) reached an agreement, with the help of Gov. Tony Evers, to avoid a then looming multi-day strike.

Part of the deal included asking the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) to weigh in on whether or not nurses at the hospital can legally have mandatory union recognition.

A ruling from the state agency determined UW Health is excluded from...

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