Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Wednesday, August 21, 2002 Governor Scott McCallum Secretary Jennifer Alexander

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

Contact: Jerry French (608) 261-2139

Radio Actualities Available: (866) 556-7623

DEPARTMENT UNVEILS ONLINE MUSEUM
Highlights Wisconsin Labor History

MADISON – Department of Workforce Development Secretary Jennifer Alexander, Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives Peter Gottlieb, and the grandson of a prominent former Wisconsin Senator today unveiled the department’s new web site http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/dwdhistory/ which highlights the history of worker programs in Wisconsin dating back to 1883. The announcement kicks-off a series of events planned to commemorate Labor Day in Wisconsin.

"Wisconsin has led the way in so many areas when it comes to benefits for workers, that we thought it was a good idea to bring them all together in one place for people to view. People can visit our web site and feel as though they are walking through an exhibit at the State Historical Society Museum," said Secretary Alexander. "I think people might be surprised at how many worker programs were created first, right here in their own backyard," added Alexander.

"We are very pleased that as Wisconsin commemorates Labor Day, the Historical Society can play a part in sharing the preserved artifacts and documents for our children and grandchildren to learn from for many years to come. We have a very rich collection of labor history at the Historical Society and are very proud to share it as we celebrate Wisconsin’s progressiveness in labor legislation," said Peter Gottlieb, Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives.

Nicholas Brazeau, grandson of the late Senator Theodore Brazeau, joined Alexander and Gottlieb in unveiling the web site. Senator Brazeau authored legislation to create a workers compensation program in Wisconsin in 1909. While the Senate postponed the measure, Senator Brazeau’s legislation paved the way for the bill that was eventually passed in 1911, which created the first workers compensation program in the nation. Nicholas Brazeau went on to practice law specializing in a variety of areas, including Workers Compensation, at the law firm his grandfather started 100 years ago.

"It is exciting to be a part of this special day commemorating the rich history of worker benefits in our state, and I’m very proud to share my grandfather’s story which has meant important benefits for thousands of families in need over the years," said Brazeau.

Some historic labor events include, Wisconsin being the first state to:

• Create a Workers Compensation program, guaranteeing workers injury compensation (1911)
• Pass an Unemployment Compensation law (1932)
• Prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin or ancestry (along with two other states - 1945)
• Outlaw job discrimination on the basis of a disability(1965)
• Create an Office of Refugee Services to coordinate services for refugees(1975)
• Pass legislation including sexual orientation as a protected category under state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations(1982)
• Implement a phone system for people to call to file for unemployment (1995)
• Pass welfare reform legislation (1996)
• Use an interactive voice response telephone system to capture unemployment claims (1998)
• Pass extended benefits legislation for unemployed workers (2002)

"It is without question, when you look at Wisconsin’s rich history, we are a state that takes care of its workers and this is something we are very proud to recognize as we approach Labor Day," said Secretary Alexander.

Other interesting facts about Wisconsin’s Labor History:

• The legislature reduced the maximum hours of labor for children to 55 hours a week and adopted a list of dangerous occupations prohibited to children under 16 (1907)
• A 22-cent-an-hour minimum wage was established for women and minors 17 years of age and older (1919)
• Wisconsin wage and hour laws were expanded to cover adult males (1975)
• The legislature changed the administrative structure of what was then the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations by creating a single executive officer, known as a Secretary (1977)

A collection of artifacts that highlight Wisconsin’s labor history will be on display in the lobby of the Department of Workforce Development, GEF 1 Building, 201 East Washington Avenue, Madison, through the month of September. DWD will celebrate its 120^th Anniversary next year.

http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/dwdhistory/

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