Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Monday, September 24, 2001 Governor Scott McCallum Secretary Jennifer Reinert

News Media Contact Christopher Marschman 608/261-6705 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784

MADISON – To raise awareness of child labor laws, the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) began conducting informational sweeps of businesses in selected areas of the state this summer.

"There are many laws on the state and federal level in place to protect children and even conscientious businesses may unknowingly be in error. These visits are a great way to clear up any misconceptions that may exist and develop a better relationship with employers," DWD Secretary Jennifer Reinert said.

In July, the department’s Labor Standards Bureau, which enforces labor laws, began conducting informational sweeps of selected areas of the state in an attempt to disseminate information regarding child labor laws. In July the department visited approximately 70 businesses in rural Dane County.

Each month, a team of investigators will go to a selected city or area of the state. The department chooses businesses at random that are likely to employ minors, and drops in on them. Department staff will discuss their business, review their current records, and provide information pertaining to child labor laws and other laws enforced by the department.

Secretary Reinert stressed that visits to businesses were purely for educational purposes and not an enforcement initiative.

"Most Wisconsin businesses are very concerned about minors they employ and do their best to follow the child labor laws put in place to protect minor workers," Reinert said. "Our goal is to educate employers and bring them vital information regarding child labor laws so that they can better protect themselves and the minors that work for them."

During the week of September 24th, department staff will visit businesses in Dunn and St. Croix counties.

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