The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is requesting that a wage claim lien be filed against Wisconsin Die Casting seeking nearly $1.5 million in unpaid wages for employees who lost their jobs when the south side Milwaukee firm abruptly shut down earlier this month.

Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman said in a letter to state Rep. Josh Zepnick (D-Milwaukee) that her agency made the wage claim lien request to the state Department of Justice. Zepnick, who represents the south side, had previously written to Gassman calling for action to support the nearly 100 workers who lost their jobs and their health insurance coverage.

In the letter, Gassman said her agency has received complaints that Wisconsin Die Casting, which makes zinc and aluminum castings for the automotive industry, abruptly closed without giving a 60-day notice to employees as required by state law. At least one former employee has filed a wage claim against the company.