The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA) prohibits employers, employment agencies, labor unions, and licensing agencies from discriminating against employees and job applicants because of age; ancestry, color, national origin or race; creed; disability; genetic testing; marital status; military service; sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and childbirth; other protected classes. For job candidates or employees with an arrest or conviction record, the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act goes further to prohibit employment discrimination due to an arrest and/or conviction record.
Wisconsin Arrest Record Discrimination
Arrest Record Discrimination is a recognized claim under Wisconsin’s anti-discrimination law (WFEA). It is illegal for an employer to deny or terminate employment based on an arrest record in Wisconsin, except where a charge is substantially related to employment. If you are an employee who has been arrested or an applicant with charges pending and you believe that you have been unfairly discriminated against, it is important to discuss your concerns with an experienced employment discrimination attorney.
Wisconsin Conviction Record Discrimination
Under Wisconsin Law, conviction record discrimination is prohibited. Under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, a conviction record refers to someone who has been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor or other offense; adjudicated delinquent; less than honorably discharged; or placed on probation, fined, imprisoned, placed on extended supervision, or paroled pursuant to law enforcement or military authority.
If you are applying for a job, it is important to be truthful if asked about convictions, providing details as necessary. An employer can only act against an applicant or employee if a conviction is substantially related to the position applied for or held. If you have questions regarding employment discrimination because you have been arrested or have a conviction on your record, it is advisable to contact an experienced employment law attorney.
Contact an Experienced Employment Law Attorney
If you are a victim of discrimination in the workplace because of age, sex, race, disability or other protected classes including individuals with arrest/conviction records, it is important to seek help. Contact the Wisconsin employment law attorneys of Alan C. Olson & Associates for immediate assistance at 262-785-9606.
