labor lawAdivision of labor law center

There are several changes in the Wisconsin labor laws that employers need to be aware of, including those regarding the Wisconsin family leave law, domestic partnerships, smoking ban, and discrimination .

On June 29, 2009 Governor Jim Doyle signed the Wisconsin domestic partnership law. The law, a portion of the state budget, permits registered domestic partners to enjoy the employment benefits currently offered to married couples. These include taking unpaid Wisconsin FMLA (called WFMLA) to care for a domestic partner with a serious health condition, and group health insurance coverage for partners.

The Wisconsin domestic partnership law goes into effect on August 3, 2009. Domestic partners will complete a declaration in their home counties, and can dissolve the partnership through a termination process at the county clerk’s office.  

So despite the fact that gay marriage is still illegal in Wisconsin, many gay couples will still benefit from the same privileges including being able to make end-of-life decisions for each other, and having hospital visitation rights.

The law also extends domestic partner benefits including health insurance to state employees.

Earlier in the year, (more…)