Wrongful Termination in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is generally an at-will state, but some firings are illegal. Here are the exceptions, retaliation protections and where to file.
Short answer: Wisconsin has no single general whistleblower law for private employees. Employers may not retaliate against employees for trying to enforce, or taking part in an investigation under, specific state labor laws (such as the overtime law, the Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act and the… Wis. Stat. § 111.322(2m)
| Whistleblower and retaliation protection | Wisconsin has no single general whistleblower law for private employees. Employers may not retaliate against employees for trying to enforce, or taking part in an investigation under, specific state labor laws (such as the overtime law, the Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act and the Employee's Right to Know law). Retaliation complaints are filed with DWD's Equal Rights Division. Source: Wis. Stat. § 111.322(2m) |
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| Job discrimination complaints | Equal Rights Division of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act covers employers of at least one employee (and the state). A complaint must be filed within 300 days of the discriminatory act or of when you learned of it. |
Where to get help in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Equal Rights Division, Labor Standards Bureau
- File a complaint or claim
More Wisconsin employment law
- Minimum Wage in Wisconsin
- Final Paycheck Laws in Wisconsin
- Meal and Rest Break Laws in Wisconsin
- Non-Compete Agreements in Wisconsin
- All Wisconsin employment law rules
FAQ
Is it illegal to fire someone for reporting a violation in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has no single general whistleblower law for private employees. Employers may not retaliate against employees for trying to enforce, or taking part in an investigation under, specific state labor laws (such as the overtime law, the Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act and the Employee's Right to Know law). Retaliation complaints are filed with DWD's Equal Rights Division.
Where do I file a job discrimination complaint in Wisconsin?
Equal Rights Division of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act covers employers of at least one employee (and the state). A complaint must be filed within 300 days of the discriminatory act or of when you learned of it.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.