Most unions seeking state certification were successful in the first round of balloting for local government workers under the Wisconsin's controversial new collective bargaining law.

In voting that concluded Tuesday, 35 of the 39 bargaining units recertified with vastly decreased negotiating power, according to the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission, which oversaw voting.

Most union leaders have been cool to certification because the 2011 law allows government unions to negotiate only for cost-of-living raises, with benefits and working conditions off the table, and because approval must be given by 51 percent of a bargaining unit, not just a simple majority of those voting.

In two of the four units that failed to certify this month, a majority of voters favored certification. Marquette County clerical workers voted 8-6 to certify, but 10 members didn't vote. Washington County human services workers voted 14-4, but they also failed to certify because 12 others didn't cast ballots.

"The practical effect of the 51 percent standard is that a non-vote is the same as a no vote," commission chairman James Scott said.

Another 120 locals will vote from March 8 to March 28. Most state and school units that voted were successful in previous rounds. Uncertified unions say they will represent members by lobbying for their interests. A dwindling number of union contracts remain in force from before the law was enacted.