(2017 Wisconsin Act 327)
Over the past decade, local elected officials representing large American cities have enacted expensive regulations which interfere with private sector employer-employee relationships.
For example, “fair scheduling” ordinances mandate employers post work schedules for their hourly employees up to four weeks in advance, “wage equity” ordinances restrict the ability of employers to seek prior wage history from job applicants and “commuter benefit” ordinances require employers to pay a portion of their worker’s transit expenses.
Local governments in Wisconsin could enact any of these types of ordinances. 2017 Wisconsin Act 327 prevents such action. Under this new law, Wisconsin cities, villages, towns and counties are prohibited from enacting or enforcing an ordinance regarding:
- regulation of employee hours and overtime;
- employment benefits an employer may be required to provide to its employees; or an employer’s right to solicit information regarding the salary history of prospective employees.