Employment screening law: Giving Employment References In Wisconsin

A previous employer is free to provide any non-confidential information about a previous employee, as long as it's true and isn't provided to maliciously harm the employee. An employer, who provides false information that disparages the employee, may be liable for defamation. In order to avoid potential liability, many employers often refuse to comment on a past employee's job performance and confirm only dates of hire and separation, plus wage or salary information.
This practice, however, leaves Wisconsin employers in a difficult position as they may find themselves the target of a lawsuit from a subsequent employer for failing to disclose a potentially dangerous employee.

Employment screening law: At Will Employment Law Wisconsin

In Wisconsin employees not working under an employment contract are deemed to be "at will." At-will employees may be terminated for any reason, so long as it's not illegal. There are numerous illegal reasons for termination. Typically such reasons fall into one of two large categories: illegal discrimination or illegal termination in violation of a public policy. Generally, employees who work under an employment contract can only be terminated for reasons specified in the contract.

Absent an individual employment contract or a collective bargaining agreement, employment in Wisconsin is at-will, and a Wisconsin employee may resign or be terminated at any time for any reason or no reason, provided that a termination does not violate the law.