Opinion ID: 1311842
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The department's sex discrimination guideline.

Text: In August, 1971, the department promulgated a proposed rule, IND 88.20, which provided in part: Employes on maternity leave shall be treated in the same manner as employees on leave for any other temporary disability in relation to pension plans, vacations, seniority, insurance coverage, and any other peripheral benefit. The rule was to take effect June 1, 1972, after appropriate notice, public hearings, and publication. In May, 1972, the joint legislative committee for review of administrative rules held a hearing to consider the rule pursuant to sec. 13.56, Stats., which provides in part: (2) REVIEW OF RULES AND CERTAIN GUIDELINES BY COMMITTEE. The committee shall promote adequate and proper rules, statements of general policy and interpretations of statutes by agencies and an understanding upon the part of the public respecting such rules, statements and interpretations. . . . It may hold public hearings to investigate complaints with respect to . . . rules and portions of rules if it considers such complaints meritorious and worthy of attention and may, on the basis of the testimony received at such public hearings, suspend any such rule or portion of a rule or such guideline by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the members present. . . . If any rule or portion of a rule or such guideline is so suspended, the committee shall as soon as possible place before the legislature, at any regular session and at any special session upon the consent of the governor, a bill to repeal the suspended rule or portion of a rule.... Opposition developed to the sick-pay provision of the rule and pursuant to an agreement with the committee, the department delayed the rule's effective date until September 1, 1972. In July, 1972, however, the department repealed the proposed rule and adopted what are termed Sex Discrimination Guidelines: By virtue of the authority vested in the Department of Industry, Labor, and Human [Relations] by Sections 111.31 to 111.37, Wisconsin Statutes, the Department of Industry, Labor, and Human Relations hereby adopts the following SEX DISCRIMINATION GUIDELINES. The Guidelines shall be applicable to all complaints presently pending or hereafter filed with the Department.