Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

In honor of #ManufacturingMonth, Secretary Pechacek stopped by Sentry Equipment yesterday to celebrate the remarkable milestone of their 100th anniversary. Manufacturing is a pillar of our economy, contributing to job creation and economic growth, and Sentry has played a pivotal role in the growth this industry has experienced. Sentry continues to lead the way, not only in its products and services, but its human-centered approach to creating a positive work environment for its employee-owners. DWD is proud to work with Sentry to create customized workforce training and apprenticeship programs through Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) funding—made possible by Governor Tony Evers' investment of over $158 million into sustainable workforce solutions that strengthen our economy and communities. Congratulations to CEO Brian Baker and all of the employee-owners, past and present! We look forward to the next century of innovation, community service, and shared success. #ACenturyofSentry

Wisconsin Federal Workers: DWD is here for you. We know this time brings uncertainty. Whether you’ve been furloughed, are working reduced hours, or facing other employment challenges during the federal government shutdown, DWD is here to support you in navigating unemployment insurance. Find detailed guidance to your questions, step-by-step application instructions, and information about eligibility at our Federal Government Shutdown FAQ page: https://lnkd.in/dAtiPX4R You can apply online anytime at: https://lnkd.in/eVrQkV2 DWD remains committed to helping Wisconsinites access the services and support they’ve earned.

ALERT: Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Wisconsin’s September Jobs Report is unavailable.

Attention Employers! 📢 Your Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate Notices and our annual Employer Newsletter are on their way to you. Find details on required poster updates, DWD's Work-Share program, and more in your mailbox and at: https://lnkd.in/gR9ZQ7nb

Due to a recent federal court order that found that a 2013 state statute was contrary to federal law, some individuals who were ineligible for Wisconsin unemployment insurance (UI) benefits because they received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits may now be eligible for past unemployment benefits. By court order, beginning July 20, 2025, eligible individuals were able to receive both SSDI and Wisconsin UI benefits. In addition, on August 20, 2025, the court issued an order pertaining to individuals who filed initial claims for unemployment benefits on or after September 8, 2015, through July 29, 2025. Those individuals may now receive past Wisconsin UI benefits if they met all other eligibility requirements. DWD will mail a notice to individuals who may be eligible for past unemployment benefits to the address last provided to Wisconsin DWD. Find more information at dwd.wi.gov/uiben/ssdi.htm.

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, DWD celebrates the contributions of Indigenous People, both to Wisconsin’s economy and to state service. We honor our state’s 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations, respecting their sovereignty and right to self-determination. DWD is proud to partner with Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations to address workforce challenges and help create access to resources and opportunity for Wisconsin’s Indigenous Communities. Learn more about DWD’s Tribal Affairs work: https://lnkd.in/gn5mmERd.

🌟October is Work and Family Month! Aimed at promoting work-life balance, National Work and Family Month supports employees in their roles as caregivers and family members and encourages employers to create family-friendly work policies. Work and Family Month is a reminder that sometimes our best contributions and biggest breakthroughs at work come from balance. 🏢 💜 At DWD, we champion policies and practices that support both family responsibilities and career growth—from flexible schedules to career development opportunities and mental health resources. How do you foster balance between home and work? What are you doing to support your workforce? Share your thoughts by commenting below!💬💡 #WorkAndFamilyMonth

📺 WATCH: DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek reaffirms DWD’s commitment to providing state services to Wisconsin workers, job seekers, and employers while the ongoing federal government shutdown raises new challenges and questions. “About 75% of our funding to operate [DWD] programs comes from the federal government. As of today, all of those programs remain operational,” says Secretary Pechacek. Despite the government shutdown, DWD’s state workers remain dedicated to their work in unemployment insurance, job placement services, and worker training programs. Read the full article here: https://shorturl.at/Efw61. Learn about how DWD can support impacted federal workers in Wisconsin: https://lnkd.in/e3HQnv2p #WIWorks #WorkforceSupport #WIDWD

Could your business benefit from learning about the mental health of your workforce? Join DWD’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for a virtual Lunch and Learn on Oct. 23: "Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace." This session, offered at no charge during this year’s #NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness) Month, will highlight best practices for businesses to support mental health in the workplace and foster productivity. 🫵 Interested in attending? Know others who might be? Register now 👉 https://shorturl.at/jA7QZ and share with your networks.

Yesterday, Secretary Pechacek joined the 27th annual National Alliance for Fair Contracting's (NAFC) national conference in Chicago to share an overview of DWD program initiatives, including its strong focus on the support and protection of all workers in the construction industry. She highlighted wage protections, safety standards, and strong partnerships that defend workers’ rights, highlighting wins that include:  💲Recovering nearly $2.3 million in lost wages for Wisconsin workers over the last state budget cycle. 🚫 Assessing $14.3 million in penalties for thousands of employers for illegally operating without workers compensation insurance over the biennium. 🔎 Identifying over 15,000 misclassified workers and assessing nearly $5 million in UI taxes and interest . DWD was glad to join fellow panelist, Robb Kahl, Executive Director of the Construction Business Group and a DWD partner as we work to make Wisconsin a fair and just place to live and work. 📸 Christian Arizmendi, Geoff Griffith, Greg LeRoy, and Matt Szollosi. #NFAC #FairContracting #WorkersRights