Walker signs work-share bill

Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill allowing employers, pending certification from the Dept. of Workforce Development, to create work-share programs. Assembly Bill 15 allows employers the flexibility to reduce employees’ hours during tough economic times instead of laying them off. Employees whose hours are reduced can seek unemployment insurance benefits for the hours lost. Under the program, employers must also maintain the employees’ retirement and health insurance plans.

The DWD estimates the programs will save the unemployment reserve fund $4.9 million.