County warns of mass layoffs if judge's ruling takes effect - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Barron County (WQOW) - As we wait to learn whether a Dane County judge will stay his ruling about collective bargaining, an area county is weighing in on the potential impact.

A Dane County judge recently struck down large portions of Act 10, the law that all but eliminated collective bargaining for most public workers.  On Friday, the Wisconsin Department of Justice filed another round of documents, urging the judge to put on the brakes and stay a ruling while the state appeals.

Next week, the Barron County Board will consider a resolution that supports the state's efforts.  In that resolution, county leaders say since the judge's decision failed to restore any cuts to state aid, the county would be unable to pay its bills if it has to bargain again with employees.  They say if the county is "forced to return to the status quo of collective bargaining agreements before Acts 10 and 32, the county would be forced to consider mass layoffs simply to meet its financial obligations."