The Wisconsin Personnel Commission was abolished in 2003.However, the rulings of the Personnel Commission continue to be cited in decisions that are issued by successor agencies. The Commission’s on-line Digest of Decisions is maintained solely as a research tool.
Once you have determined the classifications
numbers that are of interest to you,
follow the link(s) directly to the case summaries. If a classification is not
highlighted,
it means there are no cases on that particular topic.
[100] [200] [300] [400] [500] [600] [700]
NOTE: Matters filed with the Wisconsin Personnel Commission are designated as either appeals or complaints. The Commission's statutory bases for review of appeals do not provide for an investigation by the Commission. In contrast, the statutory bases for review of complaints provide for an investigation. In this digest, decisions relating to complaints are found in chapters 701 through 796, while decisions relating to appeals are located in chapters 101 through 690. Especially for anyone researching a procedural issue, it is adviasable to look under the appropriate headings for both appeals and complaints.
101 General
102 Timeliness of an appeal
102.01 General
application of time restrictions
102.02 Receipt by the Commission
102.02(1) Receipt of letter
102.02(2) Time stamp
102.02(3) Mailing date
102.02(4) Personal delivery
102.02(5) Mistaken appeal to the
Administrator/Secretary (see also 102.10)
102.04 No
notice, generally
102.05 Computation of timeliness according to
subject matter being appealed
102.05(1) Discharge/termination
102.05(3) Layoff
102.05(4) Grievance matters (see also 102.13)
102.05(5) Probation extension
102.05(6) Post-certification action related to hiring
process -- §230.44(1)(d), Stats.
102.05(7) Suspension
102.05(9) Exam
102.05(10) Actions of the Administrator/Secretary
102.05(13) Other subject matters
102.08
Early filing
102.09
Relation back of amendment or of appeal to prior complaint
102.10
Equitable estoppel as to issues of timeliness (see also 522.05)
102.11
Continuing violation
102.12 Work or calendar days
102.13
Effect of filing grievance (or seeking other internal reconsideration) on the timeliness
of subsequentappeal
102.14 When
appellant realizes unfairness
102.15
Failure to appeal subsequent decision
102.16
Effect of statutory period falling on weekend/holiday
103 Subject matter and parties involved
103.01
Probationary employes
103.02
Resignations
103.03
Reclassifications/reallocations (see also 103.11 and 103.18)
103.04 Salary
range of a classification
103.05 Union
contracts and bargaining agreements -- the effect of §111.93(3), Stats.
103.06
Bargaining unit placement
103.07 Social Security tax
103.08 Grievances
103.08(1) Allegations necessary
103.08(2) Alleged, rather than actual, violation of statute
103.08(2)(a) Exhaustion of grievance remedies
103.08(2)(b) Appeal after the second step
103.08(3) Letter of reprimand
103.08(4) Qualifications of a successful candidate
103.08(5) Merit increase
103.08(6) Erroneous grievance route
103.08(7) Existence of rules regarding procedure
103.08(8) Conditions of employment/management
rights
103.08(8.5) Matters "subject to the control
of the employer"
103.08(9) Employment or bargaining unit status of
grievant as affecting jurisdiction
103.08(10) Particular matters grieved/appealed
103.09
County merit system appeals
103.10 Investigations
103.11
Actions delegated by the Administrator/Secretary
103.12
Non-classified employes/positions
103.13 Work
assignments
103.16 §227.24, Stats.; promulgation of
emergency rules
103.17
Review of decision of impartial hearing officer
103.18
Decisions of the Administrator/Secretary other than those decisions listed in 103.03 through .13
103.19
Determination of legality of rule
103.20
Post-certification actions under §230.44(1)(d), Stats., including selection decisions
103.21 Other matters
103.21(1) No jurisdiction
103.21(2) Jurisdiction present
104 Jurisdiction to determine jurisdiction
107 Effect of prior settlement agreement reached in another proceeding
110 Declaratory rulings (see also 523)
130 Authority to award relief/impose remedy (see also
521)
130.5 Nature of remedy
130.5(2) Appointment to future vacancy
130.5(4) Attorneys fees
130.5(6) Back pay
130.5(8) Other
130.7 Subject matter of appeal
130.7(1) Exam
130.7(2) Grievance
130.7(4) Imposition of discipline
130.7(6) Post-certification action relating to hire,
including non-appointment
130.7(8) Reclassification/reallocation
130.7(10) Other
201 Written notice of disciplinary actions
201.01 General
requirements
201.02
Insufficient notice
201.03
Sufficient notice
201.04 Notice
determining the issues
201.05
Amendment of notice
201.50 Standard of judgment (see 501)
202 Was some discipline warranted§
202.02
Tardiness and/or absence
202.03
Insubordination; failure to follow orders
202.04 Poor
work record
202.10 Other misconduct
202.10(1) Off-duty
202.10(2) On-duty
202.50
Weighing testimony
205 Specific defenses
205.1
Constitutional Rights
205.3
Absence of standards of performance
205.5
Failure of management to train and supervise
205.7
Multiple punishment
205.8
Inadequacy of pre-disciplinary procedures
205.8 (1) Pre-disciplinary procedural requirements,
generally
205.8 (2) Notice of imminent danger of termination
205.9
Other
210 Was discipline imposed excessive§
210.2
Excessiveness, generally
210.5
Past work record
210.5(1) Generally
210.5(5) Progressive discipline
250 Suspension
250.1
Definition
250.3 Statutory
limit on duration
270 Relief awarded
301 Standard of judgment (see 501)
301.03 Scope
of the Commission's inquiry
302 Particular issues
302.005
Definition
302.01
Effective date of the action
302.02 According to option
302.03 By classification
302.04 Least
efficient and effective
302.05 For
fiscal reasons
302.06 Performance of prior job duties by
another
302.07 Probationary employes
302.08 Labor agreements
302.09 Alleged discharge
302.10
Reinstatement and retention rights
302.11
Layoff versus other means
302.12
Arbitrary and capricious action
302.13
Compliance with rules and statutes
302.14 Payment
of unused annual leave
302.15 Bumping
rights
302.20 Constructive demotion in lieu of layoff
303 Just cause standard applied, generally
310 Relief awarded
401 Notice
401.01
Reclassification/reallocation
401.02 Relocation
402 Standard of judgment (see 501.03)
403 Particular actions
403.005
Accretion
403.01 Acting capacity
403.02 Administrative practices manual
403.023
Carry-over of benefits from unclassified position
403.03 Continuous service credits
403.035 Employing unit determination
403.04 Examination and selection procedure
403.04(1) Prerequisites/announcement
403.04(1.5) Recruitment
403.04(2) Exam content, job-relatedness
403.04(3) Scope of competition
403.04(4) Race classification in hiring
403.04(5) Sex classification in hiring
403.04(7) Extra time to supplement application
403.04(8) Exam administration and scoring
403.04(9) Secrecy -- materials pertinent to appeal
403.04(10) Certification (including veterans points)
403.04(11) Withdrawal of acceptance
403.05 Hearings
403.06 Leave
403.07 List of
eligibles (registers), including removal of names
403.08 Make-up work (bad weather)
403.09 Merit pay
403.10 Overtime
403.102 Performance
evaluation
403.104
Project positions
403.107 Promotional potential rating
403.11 Probation
403.12 Reclassification/reallocation
403.12(1) Existence of request for
reclassification/reallocation [see also 403.12(13)]
403.12(2) Listing of cases by classifications
involved [see also 403.12(15), (16), (17)]
403.12(4) Particular issues in determining correctness of classification
403.12(4)(a) Main issue (see also 501.03 and 502.75)
403.12(4)(b) Method of determining
correctness
403.12(4)(c) Position description signed by
appellant
403.12(4)(d) Majority of duties,
significance of time allocated to particular functions
403.12(4)(e) Prohibited duties
403.12(4)(f)
Classification of other specific positions
403.12(4)(g) Size of unit
403.12(4)(h) Duties changed
403.12(4)(i) Outside witnesses
403.12(4)(j)
New specifications applied
403.12(4)(k) Promise of advancement
403.12(4)(l)
Teacher credits
403.12(4)(m) Time
served in lower class
403.12(4)(n) Employe retention
403.12(4)(o) Other quantitative factor
403.12(4)(r)
Field audit
403.12(4)(s)
Temporary duties/responsibilities and
continuing responsibilities
403.12(4)(t) Job sharing
403.12(4)(u) Professional and
paraprofessional duties
403.12(4)(v) Volunteer/committee
responsibilities
403.12(4)(w)
Leadwork/supervisory/management responsibilities
403.12(4)(x) Level of supervision
403.12(6) Delegation
403.12(7) Reclassification/reallocation versus
demotion or layoff
403.12(8) Reclassification versus reallocation
[see also 403.12(11)]
403.12(9) No reclassification
403.12(10) Prior reorganization
403.12(11) Logical and
gradual change
403.12(12) Class specifications as binding
403.12(13) Effective date
403.12(14) Duration of reclassification
process
403.12(15) Progression series [see also 403.12(4)(m)]
403.12(15)(a) Generally
403.12(15)(m) Appeals sustained and denied
403.12(16) Factor Evaluation System
403.12(16)(m) Appeals sustained and denied
403.12(17) Decisions based upon performance
analysis
403.12(17)(a) Generally
403.12(17)(m) Appeals sustained and denied
403.125
Refusal to conduct survey
403.127
Regrade
403.13
Reorganization of a department
403.14 Retirement, compulsory (see also 302.11)
403.15
Salary and pay range
403.151 Trainee
classification
403.16 Transfer
403.17 Vacation time
420 Relief awarded (see also 130)
500.50 Filing fee
501 Standard of judgment
501.01
Evidentiary standard
501.02 Just cause under §230.44(1)(c), Stats.
501.02(1) Just cause in disciplinary actions
(including constructive discipline)
501.02(2) Just cause for a layoff
501.02(3) Just cause for resignation by job
abandonment
501.03
Correctness of actions by the administrator
501.04 Abuse
of discretion
502 Burden of proof/proceeding
502.01 Generally
502.01(1) Burden of persuasion
502.01(2) Applicability of burden
502.02
Jurisdiction
502.03
Discharge
502.04
Suspension/demotion
502.05 Layoff
502.06 Actions
of the administrator
502.07
Reclassifications/reallocations
502.08 Examinations
502.08(1) Exam process
502.08(2) Exam content
502.09 Burden
of proceeding
502.15
Affirmative defenses
502.75 Issue for hearing
503 Mootness (see also 522.02)
503.01
Resignation
503.02
Examination appeal
503.03 Future
abuses
503.04
Arbitration award
503.05 Moot appeal treated as investigation
503.06 Other
matters
503.50 Standing
504 Amendment (see also 712.5)
504.50 Bifurcated hearing
505 Consolidation of appeals
505.01 Same
appellant
505.02 Separate appellants
505.02(1) Prehearing conference
505.02(2) Hearing
505.50 Open records law
506 Discovery (see also 724)
506.01 Necessity of discovery
506.02 Availability of state witnesses
506.03
Particular issues
506.04
Sanctions
506.50 Proper parties
507 Prior notice of witnesses and exhibits
508 Witnesses and exhibits (see also 510)
508.2
Exchange of witness and exhibit lists
508.4
Subpoenas
508.6
Protective orders
508.7
Rebuttal
508.8
Witness fees/reimbursement
510 Evidence
510.01
Foundation
510.02 Examination -- limitation of
510.03 Redirect -- scope of
510.04
Objection -- timeliness of
510.05
Exhibits
510.06 Hearsay
510.07
Polygraph exam
510.08
Relevance
510.09 Motion
to suppress/ motion in limine
510.10 Expert
testimony
510.11
Materiality
510.15
Official notice
510.20
Attorney-client privilege
510.50
Res judicata/collateral estoppel (see also 717.3)
510.90 Other
511 Motions
511.01
Jurisdiction
511.02 No
factual hearing necessary -- issues of law
511.03 Factual
hearing necessary -- questions of fact
511.04 Motion for reinstatement
511.08 Motion
for summary judgment
511.20 Motion
to dismiss for lack of prosecution (see also 515.2)
511.50 Motion
to sequester
511.80 Timing
511.90
Withdrawal of motion
512 Procedural rules
512.01 Adoption
512.01(1) Power to adopt
512.01(2) Notice and hearing
512.02 Change during hearing
512.03 Filing
of briefs
512.04 Probationary employe appeals
513 Timing (including postponement/acceleration) of proceedings
514 Location of hearing
515 Dismissal
515.2
For lack of prosecution
515.5
Withdrawal
516 Stay of order
517 Objections to proposed decision, request for oral
argument, rehearing or reopening a hearing
517.01
Generally
517.55
Timeliness of objection/request
518 Disqualification/commission votes
518.01 Number
present and voting
518.02
Disqualification of commissioner/examiner
519 Findings, conclusions and order
520 Failure to reach all issues
521 Fees and costs -- Equal Access to Justice Act
521.2
Applicable standards
521.5
Specific issues
521.7
Fees and costs granted/denied according to type
of case
521.7(1) Reclassification/reallocation
521.7(2) Discipline
521.7(8) Other
522 Other issues
522.01 Form of appeal
522.01(1) Generally
522.01(2) Compliance with rule
522.01(3) Particular issues
522.01(4) Amendments
522.02 Appeal survives
death
522.03 Weight
of administrative practice
522.04 Presence of supervisor
522.05 Equitable estoppel
(for cases involving issue of timeliness, see 102.10)
522.05(1) Generally
522.05(1)(a) Elements
522.05(1)(b) Knowing representation
522.05(1)(c) State conduct
522.05(1)(d) Inference of reliance
522.05(1)(e) Source of misinformation
522.05(2) Claims denied
522.05(3) Claims affirmed
522.05(4) Extent of application of estoppel
522.06 Double
jeopardy
522.07
Conflict between statute and department rule, or failure to promulgate as rule
522.08
Interpretation of directives
522.09 Preliminary decision
522.10
Representation (including unauthorized practice of law and appointment of counsel)
522.15 Amicus
curiae briefs
523 Declaratory rulings
605 Generally
605.5 Presumption of regularity
605.5(1) Generally
605.5(2) Particular applications
610 Designation of status of positions
610.2 As
academic staff
615 Selection process decisions (see also 667)
615.2 Generally
615.5 Particular issues
615.5(2) Who is considered
615.5(4) Who decides
615.5(6) Candidate references or recommendations
615.5(9) Other issues
622 Transfers
622.01
Generally
622.02 What
constitutes
622.03 Interview of applicant for transfer
622.04 Scope
of Commission's review
625 Promotions
625.01
Generally
625.02
Particular issues
630 Probationary period issues
630.02
Permissive probationary period -- establishment
630.03 Written
performance evaluations
630.06
Extension of probationary period
630.08
Termination
630.09
Restoration after probationary termination
635 Medical leave of absence
637 Merit increase decisions
640 Flex-time
645 Work assignment
650 Hazardous duty (§230.36, Stats.)
655 Code of ethics
660 §230.37: Employe infirmities
667 Reinstatement/restoration
670 Voluntary demotion
675 Relief awarded (see also 130)
675.5
Non-appointment appeals
675.8 Other
types of appeals
680 Processing of non-contractual grievances
683 Rate of pay
686 Career executive actions
690 Overtime
702 Subject matter jurisdiction
702.005
Generally
702.01
"Employer"/state agency
702.03
Employee
702.05
Location of employment
702.07 Terms,
conditions or privileges of employment
702.10 Age
702.12 Arrest record/conviction record
702.14 Color
702.16 Creed
702.17 Family
leave/medical leave
702.18 Handicap
702.18(1) Generally
702.18(2) Temporary disability
702.20
Honesty testing device
702.22
Marital status
702.23
Military reserve membership
702.24
National origin/ancestry
702.26
Occupational safety and health
702.28 Race
702.30
Retaliation
702.32 Sex
702.32(1) Generally
702.32(2) Inclusion of sexual harassment
702.34 Sexual orientation
702.50
Whistleblower (subch. III, ch. 230, Stats.)
702.90
Bases other than those listed in statutes
704 Effect of bargaining agreement (§111.93(3), Stats.) and additional complaint procedures
706 Timeliness
706.01
Generally
706.03
Realization of discriminatory/retaliatory nature of action
706.05
Continuing violation
706.07 Of
amendment
706.08
Relation back to previously filed appeal
706.50
Appeal from initial determination of no probable cause
710 Parties
712 Complaint
712.2 What
constitutes/sufficiency
712.4 Failure
to state claim on which relief may be granted
712.5
Amendment
713 Interlocutory relief
713.3 Standards
713.8 Relief
granted
713.9 Relief
denied
714 Investigation
714.1 Generally
714.4 Request
for copy of investigative file
714.9 Waiver
715 Initial determination
715.1 Effect of
finding of probable cause
715.2 Request
for second investigation
715.5
Respondent's objections to the initial determination of probable cause
715.9 Other
issues
717 Relationship with other
proceedings/matters
717.1
Consolidation with appeals/other complaints
717.2 Existence
of parallel federal proceeding
717.3
Collateral estoppel/res judicata (see also 510.50)
717.5
Effect of prior settlement agreement reached in another proceeding (see also 738.4)
717.7
Exclusivity of or preemption by other laws/proceedings
719 Mootness
720 Standing
721 Standard of judgment and analysis
721.01
Generally
721.10 Age
721.12 Arrest
record/conviction record
721.14 Color
721.16 Creed
721.17 Family
leave/medical leave
721.18
Disability [Handicap]
721.20 Honesty testing device
721.22 Marital status
721.24 National origin/ancestry
721.26
Occupational safety and health
721.28 Race
721.30
Retaliation
721.32 Sex
721.34 Sexual orientation
721.50
Whistleblower (subch. III, ch. 230, Stats.)
722 Burden of proof
726 Issue for hearing
728 Hearing procedure
728.3 Role of
hearing examiner/substitution
728.8
Transcript
728.9 Other
730 Evidence
732 Motions
734 Postponement/delays
735 Settlement efforts and agreements (also see 717.5 and 738.4)
736 Dismissal (includes
failure to respond to 20 day letter)
736.5
Withdrawal of claim
738 Reopen/Rehearing
738.1 Generally
738.4
Reopen where allegation of failure to fulfill settlement agreement
740 Findings, Conclusions, Order
742 Remedy
760 Specific applications of principles
760.2 Mixed
motive
760.4 Voluntary
resignation/constructive discharge
760.6 Proof of
general atmosphere of discrimination
760.9 Other
766 Age
766.01 Generally
766.02 Probable cause
766.02(1) Finding of probable cause
766.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
766.03 Merits
766.03(1) Finding of discrimination
766.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
766.04 Prima
facie case
766.06
Statistical analysis
768 Arrest record/conviction record
768.01
Generally
768.02 Probable cause
768.02(1) Finding of probable cause
768.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
768.03 Merits
768.02(1) Finding of discrimination
768.02(2) Finding of no discrimination
768.04 Prima
facie case
770 Color
770.01 Generally
770.02 Probable cause
770.02(1) Finding of probable cause
770.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
770.03 Merits
770.03(1) Finding of discrimination
770.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
770.04 Prima
facie case
772 Creed
772.01
Generally
772.02 Probable cause
772.02(1) Finding of probable cause
772.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
772.03 Merits
772.03(1) Finding of discrimination
772.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
772.04 Prima facie case
773 Family leave/medical leave
773.01
Generally
773.02 Probable cause
773.02(1) Finding of probable cause
773.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
773.03 Merits
773.03(1) Finding of discrimination
773.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
773.04 Prima
facie case
774 Disability [formerly identified as handicap]
774.01
Generally
774.02 Probable cause
774.02(1) Finding of probable cause
774.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
774.03 Merits
774.03(1) Finding of discrimination
774.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
774.04 Prima
facie case (see 702.18)
774.05 Duty of
accommodation
776 Honesty testing device
776.01
Generally
778 Marital status
778.01 Generally
778.02 Probable cause
778.02(1) Finding of probable cause
778.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
778.03 Merits
778.03(1) Finding of discrimination
778.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
778.04 Prima
facie case
780 National origin/ancestry
780.01 Generally
780.02 Probable cause
780.02(1) Finding of probable cause
780.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
780.03 Merits
780.03(1) Finding of discrimination
780.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
780.04 Prima
facie case
780.06
Statistical analysis
780.10
Disparate impact
782 Occupational safety and health
782.01
Generally
782.02 Probable cause
782.02(1) Finding of probable cause
782.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
782.03 Merits
782.03(1) Finding of retaliation
782.03(2) Finding of no retaliation
782.04 Prima
facie case
784 Race
784.01
Generally
784.02 Probable cause
784.02(1) Finding of probable cause
784.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
784.03 Merits
784.03(1) Finding of discrimination
784.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
784.04 Prima
facie case
784.06
Statistical analysis
784.10
Disparate impact
784.25 Racial
harassment
786 Retaliation (i.e., retaliation under FEA)
786.01
Generally
786.02 Probable cause
786.02(1) Finding of probable cause
786.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
786.03 Merits
786.03(1) Finding of retaliation
786.03(2) Finding of no retaliation
786.04 Prima
facie case
788 Sex
788.01
Generally
788.02 Probable cause
788.02(1) Finding of probable cause
788.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
788.03 Merits
788.03(1) Finding of discrimination
788.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
788.04 Prima
facie case
788.06
Statistical analysis
788.10
Disparate impact
788.15 Bona
fide occupational qualification (BFOQ)
788.25 Sexual
harassment
790 Sexual orientation
790.01 Generally
790.02 Probable cause
790.02(1) Finding of probable cause
790.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
790.03 Merits
790.03(1) Finding of discrimination
790.03(2) Finding of no discrimination
790.04 Prima
facie case
792 Whistleblower (subch. III, ch. 230, Stats.)
792.01
Generally
792.02 Probable cause
792.02(1) Finding of probable cause
792.02(2) Finding of no probable cause
792.03 Merits
792.03(1) Finding of retaliation
792.03(2) Finding of no retaliation
792.04 Prima
facie case
796 Employment action involved in claim
796.05
Examination procedure
796.10
Certification
796.15
Selection decisions (including reinstatement, promotion and reappointment)
796.25
Salary
796.30
Employment benefits (including leaves of absence)
796.35 Work
assignments (including shift assignments and transfers)
796.37
Training
796.39
Conduct of co-workers
796.40
Classification matters
796.45
Evaluation (including discretionary performance award)
796.50
Reprimand, suspension, demotion
796.55
Layoff (including failure to recall and retirement in lieu of layoff)
796.60
Discharge/termination (including resignation, constructive discharge and non-renewal of
contract)
796.70 Job
references
796.95
Other
While this digest has been prepared by Personnel Commission staff for the convenience of interested persons, it should be remembered that the decisions themselves are the ultimate source of Commission precedent.
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