Wisconsin Federal Judge Allows Limited Discovery of Employee Records

MILWAUKEE - A federal judge has ordered a Midwestern foundry owner to disclose personnel records of workers who have opted in to a lawsuit over pay for time spent changing and showering, but denied as overbroad plaintiffs' request for employee medical files. DeKeyser, et al. v. Thyssenkrupp Waupaca Inc., No. 08-C-488 (E.D. Wis.).

Judge William C. Griesbach did say in his Feb. 17 order on the workers' motion to compel that records related to silica disease would be relevant to plaintiffs' claims, but other records would not be relevant and employees who have opted in are free to sign releases …