Tag Archives: Equal Rights Division

April 1, 2010 · 10:09 pm

Workplace Anti-Bullying Bill Considered By Wisconsin Legislature, Part I

State Capital, Madison Wisconsin
Image by Rustic Roads via Flickr

Wisconsin legislators are considering enactment of a bill, 2009 Assembly Bill 894, that prohibits workplace bullying by employers.

The bill seeks to prohibit abusive work environments in Wisconsin, and to allow a worker subjected to such an environment to bring a civil legal claim.

Importantly, a civil claim would be filed in a Wisconsin county court, as opposed to federal court or an administrative agency like the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division or EEOC (i.e. agencies that handle discrimination complaints).

This post summarizes the bill, its legal requirements, its potential benefits for WI employees, and potential liabilities for employers.

Continue reading →

Advertisement

2 Comments

Filed under Legislation, Political, Resources for WI Workers

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March 18, 2009 · 12:03 pm

For Those in WI Considering a Do-It-Yourself Discrimination Complaint, Consider This…

On many occasions, employees have called me for advice afterthey have filed a discrimination complaint with Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division (ERD), or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

When I review their situations, I find that many of those employees should not, in my opinion, have filed their discrimination complaints.  These employees’ matters are not usually frivolous, and there is usually sound basis to think their employers treated them unfairly.  However, being treated unfairly does not itself make for a good discrimination claim.

This is one of the many important things an employment attorney could tell you before you file a discrimination complaint- that is, if you ask.  There are some other important factors that do-it-yourselfers, given their unfamiliarity with the legal process, are commonly unaware of.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Employee Info/Tips - Pre-Litigation - Hiring an Attorne, Employee Tip - Considering a Legal Action

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

September 30, 2008 · 3:23 am

Employee Tip: Probable Cause Determination from ERD- Now What?

Many employees file discrimination complaints with Wisconsin’s Equal Rights Division (ERD) without retaining an attorney. If you are an ERD complainant without an attorney, and you just received a “probable cause” determination, you may be wondering “now what?” Or at least you should be. In the time following a probable cause determination, things will get more formal and legalistic. You should get the most information you can about what’s to come.

Below, I’ll discuss what a “probable cause” (PC) determination means, what a “no probable cause” (NPC) determination means, and what each determination may mean for you. Bad news first.

Continue reading →

4 Comments

Filed under Employee Tip - Considering a Legal Action, Employee Tip - Hiring an Attorney, Employee Tip - Preparing for Mediation

Tagged as , , , , , ,

September 19, 2008 · 10:48 am

Link of Note: “5 Questions That Will Change Your Life”

Employees, employers, retirees and everyone else should check out this outstanding post by Professional Life Coach Tim Brownson: “5 Questions That Will Change Your Life.” Mr. Brownson arms readers with 5 questions that you should ask when facing any important life decision- I should note, these questions directly apply to any employment dispute or litigation that you are considering.

The magic questions are these:

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Employee Tip - Considering a Legal Action, Employee Tip - Problems at Job, Philosophy - Employee Rights

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

June 2, 2008 · 9:44 am

Employee Tip: Dealing With Sexual Harassment

If you are an employee in Wisconsin and feel you are (or were) being sexually-harassed, you should know the following:

(A) Know how the law defines sexual harassment;

(B) Keep proof (documentation or recordings);

(C) Learn your employer’s policies before complaining or taking action;

(D) Do not act angrily or righteously;

(E) Before complaining, consider the risks of retaliation;

(F) Proactively arrange for Plan B (e.g. a new job, or transfer to different boss); and

(G) Don’t quit because the employer tells you to.

This information is described in more detail below.

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Employee Tip - Considering a Legal Action, Employee Tip - Problems at Job

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 4, 2008 · 7:49 pm

Employee Tip: Things to Consider Before Filing a Discrimination Complaint at the Wisconsin ERD or EEOC

If you are an employee thinking of filing a discrimination complaint with the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division (ERD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), there are several things you may want to consider before submitting the complaint.

Please note this post does not provide legal advice- if you want legal advice, you should contact an attorney and discuss your specific circumstances. If you are interested in legal assistance from attorney-author Michael Brown for your matter, you can contact Mr. Brown and his law firm DVG Law Partner here:

First, you can review ERD’s website here for information about Wisconsin’s discrimination law, the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA), and about filing a complaint at ERD. You can also review EEOC’s information about filing a complaint (also called a “charge”) here. Continue reading →

4 Comments

Filed under Employee Tip - Considering a Legal Action

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

April 24, 2008 · 5:27 am

Employee Tip: Reducing Problems at Work Relating to Your Medical Condition

People with medical conditions often have unique requirements or problems arise at work. You should consider the following things to reduce the risk of problems.

Please note this post does not provide legal advice- if you want legal advice, you should contact an attorney and discuss your specific circumstances. If you are interested in legal assistance from attorney-author Michael Brown or his law firm DVG Law Partner for your matter, please contact them here:

Continue reading →

Leave a comment

Filed under Employee Tip - Problems at Job

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

April 19, 2008 · 5:44 am

Employee Tip: Preparing for Mediation at the Equal Rights Division

If you have a discrimination complaint at the Equal Rights Division (ERD) and are scheduled for mediation (settlement discussions), you can prepare in the following ways to improve your chances of reaching a favorable settlement. While the information below is tailored to ERD proceedings, it should be useful for EEOC mediation and other types of mediation and/or settlement negotiations.

Please note this post does not provide legal advice- if you want legal advice, you should contact an attorney and discuss your specific circumstances. If you are interested in legal assistance from attorney-author Michael Brown for your matter, you can contact Mr. Brown and his law firm DVG Law Partner here:

Continue reading →

3 Comments

Filed under Employee Tip - Preparing for Mediation

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,