Walker signs bill barring workers from collecting damages for employment discrimination

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that prohibits workers from collecting damages in employment discrimination cases.

By: Associated Press report, Associated Press

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MADISON — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that prohibits workers from collecting damages in employment discrimination cases.

Under current state law, employees who prevail in discrimination lawsuits can collect between $50,000 and $300,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. The Republican bill blocks anyone from collecting such damages in employment discrimination suits.

The state Department of Workforce Development still could award an employee back pay, costs and attorney fees, however.

Democrats said the bill hurts women who might suffer discrimination in the workplace.

Walker signed the bill Thursday but announced the signing Friday. His spokesman said it was easier to include the announcement in a broader release, noting the governor signed dozens of bills over the two days.

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