Judge to hold hearing on right-to-work stay

MADISON — A Dane County judge is set to hold a hearing on whether to stay his ruling striking down Wisconsin's right-to-work law.

Judge William Foust found the law unconstitutional earlier this month, ruling it amounts to an illegal taking on union services without compensation. The state Justice Department has filed a motion asking Foust to stay the ruling and leave the law in effect while the agency appeals.

Foust has scheduled a hearing on the motion for Monday morning.

Right-to-work laws prohibit businesses and unions from reaching agreements that require all workers, not just union members, to pay union dues. Three unions filed a lawsuit last year challenging Wisconsin's law as an illegal taking of union services since unions must represent all workplace employees even if they don't pay dues.