Employment Claims

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="074285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>Gordon R. Leech, Wisconsin Fair Credit, Injury & Employment Attorney</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gordon R. Leech, Wisconsin Fair Credit, "><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="potential_claim_inquiry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Potential Claim Inquiry"><U>Potential Claim Inquiry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="attorney_gordon_leech_biography.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Attorney Gordon Leechs Biography"><U>Attorney Gordon Leech's Biography</U></A>   |   <A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U>Credit Report Disputes & Claims</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id36.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Identity Theft"><U>Identity Theft</U></A>   |   <A HREF="debt_collection_violations.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Debt Collection Violations"><U>Debt Collection Violations</U></A>   |   <A HREF="your_rights_when_credit_card_bills_have_errors.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Credit Card Billing Errors"><U>Credit Card Billing Errors</U></A>   |   <A HREF="workers_rights_in_wisconsin___federal_law.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Your Rights In The Workplace"><U>Your Rights In The Workplace</U></A>   |   <B>Employment Claims</B>   |   <A HREF="id40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Unpaid Wage Claims"><U>Unpaid Wage Claims</U></A>   |   <A HREF="wisconsin_workers_compensation_claim_information.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Work Injury Claims"><U>Work Injury Claims</U></A>   |   <A HREF="reemployment_rights_of_uniformed_service_members.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reemployment Rights of Uniformed Service"><U>Reemployment Rights of Uniformed Service Members</U></A>   |   <A HREF="auto_fraud___deceptive_practices.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Auto Fraud"><U>Auto Fraud</U></A>   |   <A HREF="how_to_protect_your_rights.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How to Protect Your Rights"><U>How to Protect Your Rights</U></A>   |   <A HREF="workplace___consumer_news.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="News"><U>News</U></A>   |   <A HREF="helpful_links.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Helpful Links"><U>Helpful Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id33.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="File Share"><U>File Share</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id34.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U>Newsletter</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U>Downloads</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="073d2c00dkelyh.png"> <div> Samster, Konkel & Safran, SC</div> <div> 1110 N. Old World Third St. #405</div> <div> Milwaukee, WI 53203</div> <div> Tel: 414-224-0400</div> <bR> <div> My Other Sites:</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.myfaircredit.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.myfaircredit.com"><U>www.MyFairCredit.com</U></A>, information on your consumer rights relating to Fair Credit Reporting and Obtaining Your Credit Reports.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.myfairdebt.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.myfairdebt.com"><U>www.MyFairDebt.com</U></A>, information on your consumer rights relating to Fair Debt Collection.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.skslawyers.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.skslawyers.com"><U>www.skslawyers.com</U></A>, information on the law firm of Samster, Konkel & Safran.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Potential claim?  </B><A HREF="potential_claim_inquiry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Potential Claim Inquiry"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A><B>.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Want to see our newsletter?  </B><A HREF="id34.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A><B>.</B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Employment Claims</I></div> <div> Your rights in the workplace include an equal opportunity for hiring, pay, promotion and benefits.  If you are denied such benefits of employment because of your race, color, gender, religion, age, disability, national origin or other protected characteristic, you may have a claim under the various civil rights laws.  You also have the right to a minimum wage and to overtime pay in many positions.  If you don't get paid your legal wage, you may have claims under federal and state wage laws.  You may have a contract of employment that imposes certain obligations on you or gives you certain rights that you would not have otherwise.  Federal and state laws also protect your job for qualifying absences for some employees when caring for oneself or another person with a serious health condition or new born/adoption.  You may also believe that your employer has wrongfully terminated or otherwise affected a term or condition of your employment.  See the discussion below on <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#wrongful_termination___employment_at" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>Wrongful Termination & Employment at Will</U></A></FONT>.</div> <bR> <div> All these rights provide for the recovery of your economic loss, attorney's fees and, in some cases, additional damages for things such as emotional upset.</div> <bR> <div> Nature of some claims include:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Discrimination, Retaliation, Harassment</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Wage Claims, Unpaid Wages, Overtime Claims, Unpaid Commissions</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Unemployment</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Family Medical Leave Act Claims</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Severance, Non-compete & Other Employment Agreements</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reemployment Rights of Veterans Military Reservists</div> <div> <A HREF="wisconsin_workers_compensation_claim_information.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Work Injury Claims"><U><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Workers Compensation Claims</U></A> for workplace injuries</div> <bR> <div> On this Page:</div> <div> <A HREF="#filing_a_claim_of_discrimination_in" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>Filing a Claim of Discrimination in Wisconsin</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#overview_of_laws_administered_by_the" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>Overview of Wisconsin Employment Laws Administered by the Equal Rights Division</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#wrongful_termination___employment_at" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>Wrongful Termination & Employment at Will</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="filing_a_claim_of_discrimination_in"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Filing a Claim of Discrimination in Wisconsin</I><I> </I><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><I>[Back to Top]</I></U></A></FONT></div> <div> In Wisconsin, you can obtain the appropriate form necessary to file a claim of discrimination, wage or other employment related violations of Wisconsin and some Federal laws by contacting the Department of Workforce Development at (608) 266-3131.  You can also find most of the information and forms on the web at <A HREF="http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/aboutdwd.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/aboutdwd."><U>http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/aboutdwd.htm</U></A>.  You can usually satisfy any administrative filing requirements under Federal or state law claims of employment discrimination and retaliation by filing a complaint with either the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or Wisconsin's Equal Rights Division, but you may ultimately need to pursue Federal remedies in the courts rather than the administrative procedures for Wisconsin's discrimination claims.  Be sure you address this issue if you initiate the complaint process so that you satisfy the filing requirements of both the Federal and state law claims that you intend to pursue.</div> <bR> <div> The following is a summary of the laws administered by the Equal Rights Division of Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development.  This summary was prepared by the Department.  This summary does not cover federal laws or rights that you may have.</div> <bR> <div> To download blank forms for filing a Complaint of Discrimination with the Equal Rights Division, <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U>click here</U></A>.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="overview_of_laws_administered_by_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Overview of Laws Administered by the Division </I><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><I>[Back to Top]</I></U></A></FONT></div> <div> Equal Rights Publication - ERD-8058-P</div> <bR> <div> The links in the <B>Table of Contents </B>take you to that section in the Publication.</div> <div> The links in the <B>Text </B>take you to either a page in [the Department's] website, a section in the Wisconsin Statutes or a section in the Wisconsin Administrative Code.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Table of Contents.</B></div> <div> <U>By the Civil Rights Bureau</U></div> <div> <A HREF="#1__fair_employment_" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>1. Fair Employment</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#2__open_housing" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>2. Open Housing</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#3__public_accommodations_" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>3. Public Accommodations & Amusements</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#4__family_" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>4. Family & Medical Leave</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#5__post_secondary_education" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>5. Post Secondary Education</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#6__retaliation_protections_" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>6. Retaliation Protections</U></U></A></div> <div> <U>a. Public Employee Health & Safety</U></div> <div> <U>b. Employee Right to Know</U></div> <div> <U>c. Elderly Abuse</U></div> <div> <U>d. Health Care Workers</U></div> <div> <U>e. Whistleblower Law for State Employees</U></div> <div> <A HREF="#labor_standards_bureau_" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>By the Labor Standards Bureau</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#7__prevailing_wage_rates_" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>7. Prevailing Wage Rates</U></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <U>a. Local Government Public Projects</U></div> <div> <U>b. State Building Public Projects</U></div> <div> <U>c. State Highway Projects</U></div> <div> <A HREF="#8__hours_of_work_and_overtime" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>8. Hours of Work & Overtime</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#9__records_open_to_employee" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>9. Records Open to Employee</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#10__one_day_of_rest_in_seven" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>10. One Day of Rest in Seven</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#11__street_trades" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>11. Street Trades</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#12__child_labor" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>12. Child Labor</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#13__minimum_wage" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>13. Minimum Wage</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#14__private_employment_agents" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>14. Private Employment Agencies</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#15__wage_payment_and_collection" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>15. Wage Payment & Collection</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#16__business_closing_" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><U>16. Business Closing & Mass Layoff</U></U></A></div> <div> <U>17. Cessation of Health Care Benefits</U></div> <bR> <div> <U> <A NAME="civil_rights_bureau_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>Civil Rights Bureau</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <U> <A NAME="1__fair_employment_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>1. Fair Employment</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Sections 111.31 - 111.395, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, </FONT><U>Chapter DWD 218 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The law prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, handicap, arrest or conviction record, sexual orientation, marital status, and military status. It prohibits unfair honesty testing and genetic testing. It also prohibits discrimination because of filing or assisting with a Labor Standards complaint or because of use or non-use of lawful products.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 300 days)</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="2__open_housing"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>2. Open Housing</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > ( </FONT><U>Sections 106.50, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, </FONT><U>Chapter DWD 220 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The Law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age-18 and over, disability, lawful source of income, marital status, sexual orientation, and family status.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 1 year. Also through circuit court.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="3__public_accommodations_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>3. Public Accommodations & Amusements</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U> Section 106.52, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, </FONT><U>Chapter DWD 221 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The law prohibits discrimination, in public places, based on race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, physical condition, developmental disability or sexual orientation.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 300 days. Also through circuit court.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="4__family_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>4. Family & Medical Leave</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U> Section 103.10, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >,</FONT><U>Chapter DWD 225 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> For employers of 50 or more, the law requires that:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An employee of either sex is allowed up to six (6) weeks of leave in a twelve-month period for the birth or adoption of a child. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An employee be allowed up to two (2) weeks of leave in a twelve-month period for the care of a child, spouse or parent with a serious health condition. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An employee be allowed up to two (2) weeks of leave in a twelve-month period for the employee’s own serious health condition.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 30 days</div> <div> To download a blank Complaint for suspected violations of the Family & Medical Leave law, <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U>click here</U></A>.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="5__post_secondary_education"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>5. Post Secondary Education</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > ( </FONT><U>Section 106.56, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The law prohibits discrimination because of physical condition or developmental disability in post- secondary education.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 300 days</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="6__retaliation_protections_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>6. Retaliation Protections</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <U> <A NAME="a__public_employee_health_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>a. Public Employee Health & Safety</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Section 101.055(8), Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >)</FONT></div> <div> The law provides that if a public employee reports an actual or potential hazard to the State Safety and Buildings Division and is then retaliated against by the employer. If a public employee reasonably refuses to perform a task which represents a danger of serious injury or death or exercises any other right related to occupational safety and health and then is retaliated against by the employer.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 30 days</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="b__employee_right_to_know"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>b. Employee Right to Know</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > ( </FONT><U>Section 101.595(2), Wisconsin Statutes)</U></div> <div> The law states that employees have a right to know what toxic substances might be encountered on the job. Also prohibits retaliation against an employee for exercising any rights under s. 101.58-101.599.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 30 days</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="c__elderly_abuse_retaliation"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>c. Elderly Abuse Retaliation</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (Sections </FONT><U>46.90</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >; </FONT><U>16.009</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > and </FONT><U>50.07)</U></div> <div> The law prohibits retaliation against any employee for reporting the abuse of an elderly person to a state or county agency.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 300 days</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="d__health_care_worker_retaliation"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>d. Health Care Worker Retaliation</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Section 146.997, Wisconsin. Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >)</FONT></div> <div> The law prohibits retaliation against any health care worker for reporting violations of laws, rules or quality of care standards.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 300 days</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="e__whistleblower_law_for_state_employees_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>e. Whistleblower Law for State Employees</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Section 230.80 – 230.89 Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >,</FONT><U>Chapter DWD 224 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >)</FONT></div> <div> The law prohibits retaliation against certain state employees who disclose information about violations of laws, rules mismanagement or abuse of authority.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 60 days</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="labor_standards_bureau_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>Labor Standards Bureau</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> To download a Complaint for unpaid Wages with the Labor Standards Bureau, <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U>click here</U></A>.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="7__prevailing_wage_rates_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>7. Prevailing Wage Rates</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Chapter DWD 290 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div>  <A NAME="a_prevailing_wage_rates_and_hours_of_labor_for_local_government_unit_public_works_projects_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>a. Prevailing Wage Rates and Hours of Labor for Local Government Unit Public Works Projects (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Section 66.0903, Wisconsin Statute</U></FONT>)</div> <div> The Statutes requires the department to determine the prevailing wage rates for all types of local public works projects and requires the department to investigate any alleged violation of such wage rates and hours of labor.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years.)</div> <div>  <A NAME="b__prevailing_wage_rates_and_hours_of_labor_for_state_building_public_works_projects"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>b. Prevailing Wage Rates and Hours of Labor for State Building Public Works Projects (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Section 103.49, Wisconsin Statute</U></FONT>) <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The Statutes requires the department to determine the prevailing wage rates for all types of state public works construction projects, except highways and bridges, and requires the department to investigate any alleged violations of such wage rates and hours of labor</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years.</div> <div>  <A NAME="c__prevailing_wage_rates_and_hours_of_labor_for_state_highway_projects"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>c. Prevailing Wage Rates and Hours of Labor for State Highway Projects (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Section 103.50, Wisconsin Statute</U></FONT>) <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The Statutes requires the department to determine the prevailing wage rates for all state contracted highway construction projects. The Department of Transportation is responsible for enforcement.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="8__hours_of_work_and_overtime"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>8. Hours Of Work And Overtime</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > ( </FONT><U>Sections 103.01-03, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, </FONT><U>Chapter DWD 274 Wisconsin Administrative Code)</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The Statutes requires payment of time and one half the regular rate of pay for hours worked in excess of forty in a given week, and provides certain exemptions.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years, also through circuit court.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="9__records_open_to_employee"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>9. Records Open To Employee</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Section 103.13, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The Law provides employees or former employees the right to inspect their own personnel records.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="10__one_day_of_rest_in_seven"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>10. One Day Of Rest In Seven</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > ( </FONT><U>Section 103.85, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >,</FONT><U>Chapter DWD 275 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The law requires employers in factories or mercantile establishments to provide at least one period consisting of twenty-four consecutive hours of rest in each calendar week. Allows for the issuance of waivers or modifications to employers when jointly requested by labor and management.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years, also through circuit court.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="11__street_trades"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>11. Street Trades</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Sections 103.21-32, Wisconsin Statutes,Chapter DWD 271 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The law establishes maximum daily and weekly hours, and sets time of day restrictions for minors (those under 18 years of age) engaging in street trades (delivery, distribution or selling items door to door). Also provides for enforcement action.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years, also through circuit court.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="12__child_labor"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>12. Child Labor</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > ( </FONT><U>Sections 103. 64-82, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >,</FONT><U>Chapter DWD 270 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The law establishes maximum daily and weekly hours, sets time of day restrictions for the employment of minors, and explains employment prohibitions (by type of employment) for minors 11 through 17 years of age. Also provides for enforcement action.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years, also through circuit court.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="13__minimum_wage"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>13. Minimum Wage</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > ( </FONT><U>Sections 104.0 1-12, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >,</FONT><U>Chapter DWD 272 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The law sets minimum wage rates, provides for special minimum wage licenses for rehabilitation facilities and for workers with disabilities and student learners and defines what comprises “hours worked.”</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years, also through circuit court.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="14__private_employment_agents"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>14. Private Employment Agents</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Sections 105.01-16, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, </FONT><U>Chapter DWD 277 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The law provides rules for the licensing of private employment agents that require applicant-paid fees, and for the registration of employer-paid fee agent Section Authorizes enforcement action.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years, also through circuit court.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="15__wage_payment_and_collection"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>15. Wage Payment and Collection</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Sections 109.01-11, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The law requires the department to process individual wage claims from employees who have not received earned wages, and establishes when employees must be paid.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 2 years, also through circuit court.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="16__business_closing_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>16. Business Closing & Mass Layoff</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U> Section 109.07, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >,</FONT><U>Chapter DWD 279 Wisconsin Administrative Code</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The Statutes states that for employers of 50 or more requires sixty days advance written notification of a business closing or mass layoff. Notices must be provided to the department, affected employees, the union and the highest official of the municipality in which the business is located.</div> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 300 days.</div> <div> <U> <A NAME="17__cessation_of_health_care_benefits_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><U>17. Cessation of Health Care Benefits</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (</FONT><U>Section 109.075, Wisconsin Statutes</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>[Back to Top]</U></A></FONT></div> <div> The Statutes states that for employers of 50 or more requires sixty days advance written notification when an employer decides to terminate a health care benefit plan. Notices must be provided to the employees, retirees, and their dependents. The law does not require notification to employees who quit or who are terminated, nor does it require notification when an employer makes changes to an existing plan.</div> <bR> <div> Enforced by complaint filed with the Equal Rights Division within 300 days.</div> <div> <B>For more information regarding these laws, contact:</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="635" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="623"><div> <B>STATE OF WISCONSIN</B></div> <div> <B>DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT</B></div> <div> <B>EQUAL RIGHTS DIVISION</B></div> <div> <B>CIVIL RIGHTS BUREAU</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 75 WIDTH="310"><div> 201 E WASHINGTON AVE</div> <div> ROOM A300</div> <div> PO BOX 8928</div> <div> MADISON WI 53708</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="310"><div> 819 N 6th ST</div> <div> ROOM 255</div> <div> MILWAUKEE WI 53203</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 38 ><NOBR><div> Telephone Number: (608) 266-6860</div> <div> TTY Number: (608) 264-8752</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> Telephone Number: (414) 227-4384</div> <div> TTY Number: (414) 227-4081</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="623"><div> <U>Equal Rights Division Web Site</U></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 58 WIDTH="623"><div> <B>The Department of Workforce Development is an equal opportunity service provider. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us.</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> Updated February 03, 2006 by the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Equal Rights Division</U></FONT></div> <div> For additional information contact the Division at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>ER Information</U></FONT>.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="wrongful_termination___employment_at"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Wrongful Termination & Employment at Will </I><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#00CC33" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay_m.htm" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U><I>[Back to Top]</I></U></A></FONT></div> <div> Employment in Wisconsin is generally at-will.  This means that you--as an employee-can be hired or not, fired, promoted, demoted, etc., for a good reason, bad reason or no reason at all.  Because of this at-will status of employment, Wisconsin law does not recognize a claim for "wrongful termination" or other claim based only on the unfairness or inequity of the decision.  The exceptions to this at-will rule is when the action violates a specific provision of law like Wisconsin and Federal fair employment laws prohibiting discrimination, interference with rights to family or medical leave, or some other violation of a right specifically recognized right in the law, many of which are mentioned above, or a right granted to you in an agreement between you and your employer.  This means that decisions employers make affecting your employment can be unfair, but not unlawful.  If you are in doubt about whether your rights have been violated, you may want to consider having your situation reviewed by a competent legal professional or an organization like the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division of the Department of Workforce Development.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Attorney Gordon R. Leech</div> <div> Samster, Konkel & Safran, SC</div> <div> 1110 N. Old World Third St., Suite 405</div> <div> Milwaukee, WI 53203</div> <div> Tel: 414-224-0400</div> <div> Email: <A HREF="mailto:gleech@attorneyleech.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:gleech@attorneyleech.com"><U>gleech@AttorneyLeech.com</U></A></div> <div> Web: www.AttorneyLeech.com; <A HREF="http://www.myfaircredit.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.myfaircredit.com"><U>www.MyFairCredit.com</U></A>; <A HREF="http://www.skslawyers.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.skslawyers.com"><U>www.SKSLawyers.com</U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>