Fair Employment/Wage and Hour (Equal Rights), Labor Law Training Topics

Fair Employment & Wage and Hour (Equal Rights)

Protected Leave Laws in Wisconsin
Provides an overview of the Wisconsin Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Bone Marrow and Organ Donor Leave Act, including; the nuts and bolts of determining eligibility for leave under the two laws; the duration of leave entitlements under state laws; comparison to similar provisions under the federal FMLA and examination of how the laws interact; an overview of the Equal Rights Division's process for adjudicating claims under the state laws; examples of some common mistakes employees and employers make; discussion of developments relating to the Bone Marrow Donor Law, including any rules, agency interpretations, or cases that emerge.

Demystifying Arrest and Conviction Record Protections Under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law
The Wisconsin Fair Employment Law's (WFEL) provisions prohibiting discrimination based on arrest record or conviction record can be challenging to follow. This topic seeks to clarify some of those challenges and will give the audience a better understanding of the definitions of arrest record and conviction record; the statements and questions that are acceptable in job postings and applications; the impact of failure to reveal all convictions on job applications; the substantial relationship test, lack of bondability, the Onalaska defense; and exceptions related to specific industries. We will also discuss new statutory requirements related to licensing agencies.

Preparing for Fair Employment Hearings
Provides basic information about current Equal Rights Division hearing practices and procedures in contested cases, including settlements, notices of hearings and responses to notices, "discovery" (information exchange), subpoenas for witnesses and documents, and appeals.

Avoiding "Loaded" Employment Application and Interview Questions that May Discriminate
Asks you to consider, when was the last time you took a good look at that application form you’re using? What about interview questions? Are some of the questions discriminatory or interpreted as discriminatory? This topic looks at how the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law applies to the recruitment process and offers alternative questions to help avoid discrimination when gathering information needed to help choose the right candidate for the job.

Workplace Harassment
Provides information about harassment under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law (WFEL). It includes a discussion of sexual harassment and harassment based on other characteristics such as race, color, national origin and sexual orientation. We use case law to illustrate concepts, emphasize the importance of strong company policies prohibiting unlawful harassment, and provide suggestions for handling and investigating complaints.

Fair Employment Law Basics
Offers a straight-forward look at the basics of the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law (WFEL). Introduces the audience to Wisconsin's law prohibiting discrimination in employment and serves as a foundation for further discussion. Also addresses topics such as prohibited actions by employers, groups protected under the law, employing individuals with disabilities, on-the-job harassment, dealing with a WFEL complaint, and other concerns which the audience may raise.

Employees with Health Challenges
Provides information about what to do when you have an employee who comes to you with a medical or health challenge. Explains the basics of the state and federal Family Medical Leave Act. Reviews an employer's responsibilities under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, including what to do when an employee needs a reasonable accommodation. Discusses the interaction of the FMLA, an employer's paid time off policy, and the reasonable accommodation process.

Wisconsin's Wage & Hour Laws: Basics & Beyond
Focuses on issues related to overtime, hours of work, wage payment requirements, and minimum wage. This topic also includes discussion of the employment of minors, as well as information on topics such as the Business Closing/Mass Layoff Notification law and the open personnel records law.

OSHA and Wage & Hour: Beyond the Basics
The U.S. Department of Labor agencies OSHA and the Wage & Hour Division, join forces to provide important up-to-date information on the laws enforced by their agencies. The OSHA section will focus on basic OSHA inspection procedures, recordkeeping, reporting to OSHA and Worker Rights. Also, a discussion of the latest national and local emphasis programs, other areas of interest, proposed standards, and policy changes. The focus for the Wage & Hour portion of the presentation will be on how federal wage and hour laws operate in light of the impact COVID-19 has had in our employment communities. Two agencies, one session, a lot of great information!

Labor Standards Combo: State and Federal Wage and Hour Laws
This joint presentation from DWD's Equal Rights Division and the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division focuses on issues related to overtime, hours of work, wage payment requirements, and minimum wage. In addition, there will be an overview of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

Holiday EEO: EEOC and WHD Address Potential Holiday Workplace Issues
When you hear “the holidays,” what do you think of? For many, the holiday season typically conjures up warm, fuzzy images and feelings – exchanging gifts, participating in celebratory events, and spending more time with family and friends. But what is typically a time of great joy, the holiday season can also bring potential workplace issues for both workers and employers, and for the latter, missteps which may violate federal EEO and labor laws.

Get to Know Us: A Multi-Federal Agency Overview!
In our country, May 1st is officially recognized as ‘Law Day’. A day to reflect on the role that our laws play in several areas of our society, including the workplace. But many employers and employees remain uncertain about what laws impact their workplace and who enforces those laws. That’s why the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration and Wage and Hour Division have teamed up for Law Day! During this session, each agency will provide important information on the laws they enforce and the issues regulated by their agency. Don’t miss this opportunity to educate yourself and unscramble the maze of federal laws that directly affect your workplace!

Welcome to the Workforce
In this presentation, there will be discussion on the ins and outs of employing minors in the workplace. There will also be discussion on minimum ages of employment, hours minors are permitted to work, and what occupations are considered hazardous or prohibited for minor employees. As well as discussion on the application of the student learner exemption that allows minors to engage in school to work training programs designed to improve your talent pipeline.