A judge has struck down the Manitoba government's attempt to freeze the wages of more than 110,000 public sector workers.

The ruling calls the bill enacting the wage freeze unduly harsh and a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Progressive Conservatives introduced the legislation in 2017 which included a two-year wage freeze for each new collective agreement, followed by very modest pay increases.

Although the bill was never proclaimed into law, public-sector unions that took the government to court say it affected contract talks.

Finance Minister Scott Fielding says the government is reviewing the decision and may appeal.