WI SB579

Grants collective bargaining rights over wages, hours, and conditions of employment to University of Wisconsin System faculty and academic staff, creating a new subchapter VI in Chapter 111 of Wisconsin statutes

Establishes 32 separate collective bargaining units organized by institution and employee type (faculty or academic staff) across all UW System campuses, with provisions allowing units to combine through majority vote elections

Requires a majority of employees voting in an election to approve union representation, with the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission overseeing elections, certifications, and unfair labor practice complaints

Prohibits strikes by covered employees while providing for mediation, fact-finding, and grievance arbitration procedures to resolve labor disputes

Excludes certain topics from bargaining, including the UW System's statutory mission, academic freedom, tenure rights under existing law, family/medical leave minimums, and Wisconsin Retirement System provisions