Employment Discrimination in Wisconsin

If you suffered employment discrimination in Wisconsin, you may be eligible to pursue an employment discrimination case against your employer.

Some of the more common reasons for discrimination include sex, age, gender identity, race, creed, religion, or other factors, and discrimination can take many forms.

There are federal laws that protect workers across the country, but there are often additional state laws that have been enacted to offer additional protection. This article provides a closer look at Wisconsin employment discrimination.

What Kind of Discrimination Laws are in Place in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Fair Employment Law prohibits employers, employment agencies, labor unions, and licensing agencies from discriminating against employees and job applicants because of any of the following:

Age
Arrest and/or Conviction Record
Ancestry, Color, National Origin or Race
Creed
Disability
Genetic Testing
Honesty Testing
Marital Status
Military Service
Pregnancy or Childbirth
Sex
Sexual Orientation
Use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer's premises during nonworking hours

The law prohibits discrimination in recruitment and hiring, job assignments, pay, leave or benefits, promotion, licensing, union membership, training, layoff and firing, and other employment related actions.

There are also federal laws, specifically Title VII, also offers additional Wisconsin workplace discrimination protection to workers. Almost all employers have discrimination laws to abide by, so almost all workers are protected by workplace discrimination laws.

Who is Protected By Federal and State Laws in Wisconsin?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) oversees the federal laws, which apply to employers who have 15 or more employees unless it is an age-related complaint and those apply to employers with 20 or more workers.

The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA) is overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division (ERD).

What Employers are Covered by Discrimination Laws in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin state laws apply to employers, employment agencies, labor unions, and licensing agencies and prohibits discrimination and retaliation. Most federal laws apply to employers who have 15 or more workers, but if it involves age, it applies to employers who have 20 or more employees. To file a state complaint, you contact the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division. For a federal violation, file a claim with the EEOC and provide copies of documentation that supports your claim.

Which State Agencies Regulate Workplace Harassment Laws in Wisconsin?

To file a claim with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division (ERD), you can go online to the website to review the process. Complaint forms are also available online.

To file a claim with the EEOC, you can visit the nearest field office or to start an online claim. You can also call to speak with a representative and to start the claims process. You will need evidence and documentation to back up your claim just as you would with any kind of claim.

How Do I File A Discrimination Claim in Wisconsin?

If you are ready to pursue a Wisconsin workplace discrimination claim, you should gather any supporting evidence and documentation. You should notify your employer about any discrimination suffered. If your employer does not resolve the complaint, you will need to file a claim with the proper agency.

You can file a claim with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division. To file a claim with the EEOC, you can visit the nearest field office or to start an online claim. You can also call to speak with a representative and to start the claims process.

How Do I Get Help Filing A Discrimination Claim in Wisconsin?

If you are a victim of Wisconsin workplace discrimination, you should consult with an experienced employment law attorney. An employment law attorney will be familiar with the applicable Wisconsin state and federal laws and will be able to determine the best way to proceed with an employment law claim against your place of employment if discrimination has taken place. Follow proper protocol when pursuing a workplace discrimination claim.

When you speak a workplace discrimination lawyer, be sure to talk about payment preferences. Some lawyers will take the case on a contingency basis while others require a retainer to be paid upfront and will charge an hourly rate.

To share the details of your Wisconsin workplace discrimination case with an attorney, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form. You should provide your contact details, so you can hear back from the employment law office and decide how to proceed with your claim.