Wisconsin Senate Bill SB791

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/22/25
• Refer: 12/22/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act Relating to: ratification of the agreement negotiated between the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee, for the 2025-26 fiscal year, covering employees in the building trades crafts collective bargaining unit, and authorizing an expenditure of funds. (FE)

Impact

The passage of SB791 would have notable implications for labor relations within the public sector in Wisconsin. By ratifying this agreement, the state underscores the importance of collective bargaining rights for its employees in the building trades. Moreover, the bill's approval will allow the necessary funding to be allocated for the implementation of the terms negotiated in the agreement. This act signifies the state's commitment to honoring labor agreements and maintaining stable employment relationships within public sector constructions and trades, ultimately impacting the workforce dynamics at institutions like the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Summary

Senate Bill 791 concerns the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement negotiated between the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee for the fiscal year 2025-26. This bill explicitly authorizes the expenditure of funds needed to implement the agreement. It is introduced under the provisions of Wisconsin's State Employment Labor Relations Act, which governs agreements made for public sector employees within the building trades sector. The successful ratification of this agreement is contingent upon prior approval from employees within the involved labor unit, as well as legislative backing from the joint committee on employment relations.

Contention

While no significant points of contention from the legislative debates around SB791 were noted in the transcripts, the context of public sector collective bargaining can often attract discussions regarding budget implications and the negotiation processes involved. Stakeholders may debate fairness in negotiations, the impact of the financial commitments on state budgets, and the rights of employees versus administrative control. However, the process appears to have been straightforward in this instance, indicating a consensus on the need for ratifying such agreements to support the building trades workforce.