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> DWD Assumes Responsibility For Discrimination
Complaints Against State Agencies
Wednesday, July 24,
2003
Governor
Jim Doyle
Secretary
Roberta Gassman |
News Media Contact
Rose Lynch
608/266-6753
e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us
fax: 608/266-1784 |
|
Department of Workforce Development
Assumes Responsibility For Discrimination Complaints
Against State Agencies
Madison -- Wisconsin Department of Workforce
Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today
announced that as part of Governor Doyle’s budget and
restructuring plan, the Equal Rights
Division of the Department of
Workforce Development would today assume the
responsibilities related to discrimination and
whistleblower complaints against the state as an employer.
Historically, the Personnel Commission performed these
functions. The Equal Rights Division
previously enforced the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law for
Wisconsin’s employers, excluding those complaints
against state agencies. Last year the Equal
Rights Division processed over 4,000 complaints of
employment discrimination. Officials expect an additional
200 complaints, as a result of this change.
The Department will be issuing an emergency rule
governing the procedures for processing these complaints,
effective immediately, to ensure that service is not
seriously delayed by this administrative change. The
emergency rule will repeal the Personnel Commission rules
affecting duties within the Equal Rights
Division, amending the existing fair employment rules
and family and medical leave rules to include state
respondents, and creating new whistleblower protection
rules.
"I’m very pleased that we are able to assume
this new role in assisting in the enforcement of equal
opportunity laws for all Wisconsin workers," said
Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta
Gassman. "We will strive to continue to enforce these
laws in a fair, efficient, and timely manner."
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