It''s official. Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) Director Kathy Wilbur announced the opening of the newly created Bureau of Workers'' & Unemployment Compensation (BWUC).
"The Governor''s executive order creating the new bureau within CIS became effective April 7," Wilbur said. "The new bureau unites the former Unemployment Agency (UA), Bureau of Workers'' Disability Compensation (BWDC), the Workers'' Compensation Board of Magistrates and the Wage and Hour Division."
She said the new bureau creates greater efficiency between the programs and for the public, as well. "We know that by working together as one bureau, we will help facilitate data sharing and will provide a single resource for Michigan workers and employers to get assistance with compensation questions," she added.
Shortly after signing Executive Order 2002-1 establishing the new bureau, Gov. John Engler appointed UA Director Jack Wheatley to head the bureau. Wheatley joined Engler''s administration in May 1991 as director of the Bureau of Workers'' Disability Compensation, a post that he held until joining UA in 1997.
The new bureau will handle issues related to unemployment compensation, disability payments for workers injured on the job, wages and fringe benefits for workers and appropriate employment and working conditions for young people.
The Bureau of Workers'' & Unemployment Compensation is a bureau within the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services, the state''s primary licensing and regulatory department.
by Sandy Smith ([email protected])