The legal challenges mark a significant escalation in the monthslong fight between the union and the administration over the plan to have state workers return to the office at least three days a week.

Bill Hunsinger of Ripton, the party’s new leader, says he wants to focus on bolstering its presence at the local level and is taking aim at the state’s education reform law.

The Barnstable Superior Court jury's verdict came after nine days of trial, more than 100 pieces of evidence, and about 20 ...