Equal Rights Laws

Employment Discrimination

The Wisconsin Fair Employment Law prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination against employees and job applicants because of their sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, religion, conviction record, or membership in other protected categories.

Retaliation Protection

An employer may not fire, demote, harass, or otherwise "retaliate" against an individual for filing a charge of discrimination, participating in a discrimination proceeding, or otherwise opposing discrimination.

Housing Discrimination

State law prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of a person's membership in a protected category.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides unpaid leave for an employee's serious health condition, the serious health condition of a parent, child or spouse, or for the birth or adoption of a child.

Discrimination in Public Places of Accommodation or Amusement

State law prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation and amusement because of a person's membership in a protected category.

Social Media Law

The State of Wisconsin protects the privacy of personal internet accounts from employers, educational institutions, and landlords under certain circumstances.

Disability Discrimination in Higher Education

State law prohibits publicly funded universities, technical colleges, and vocational schools from discriminating against students in admission because of a physical impairment or developmental disability.

Wisconsin Bone Marrow and Organ Donation Leave Act

The Bone Marrow and Organ Donation Leave Act requires that all employers with 50 or more permanent employees allow employees up to six (6) weeks leave in a 12-month period for the purpose of serving as a bone marrow or organ donor.

Wage Payment and Collection Law

Employees have the right to file a wage claim if there is a dispute with the employer about the amount of wages owed, or if the employer fails to pay wages earned on the regularly scheduled payday.

Minor Employment

Learn more about work permits for minor workers.

Hours of Work and Overtime

The state overtime law applies to most Wisconsin employers. Unless an exception applies, overtime wages - time and one-half the employee's regular rate of pay - must be paid for all hours worked over 40 in the workweek.

Business Closing

With certain exceptions, businesses employing 50 or more persons in the State of Wisconsin must provide written notice 60 days before implementing a "business (plant) closing" or "mass layoff" in the state.

Minimum Wage

Learn more about Wisconsin's Current Minimum Wage Rates for minors and adults.

One Day of Rest in Seven

Employees who work in factory or retail establishments must receive one day off (24 consecutive hours) per calendar week (Sunday through Saturday), unless an exception applies.

Breaks and Meal Periods

Learn about break and meal period requirements in Wisconsin.

Time off for Voting

An employer is required to give their employee up to 3 successive hours to vote each election day, no matter the size of the employer or the type of the business. The employee is required to notify the employer before election day that they intend to be absent to vote, and the employer gets to decide the time of the day that the employee is excused to vote.