Category: Employment Law
New Laws Impacting Employers in 2025
January 1, 2025, is not only the start of the New Year, but it is also the effective date for many new laws impacting employers in Illinois. There are a variety of new laws and amendments to existing laws that employers must make note of, such as: Pay Transparency Law. In 2023, Governor JB Pritzker
New Rules and Regulations Surrounding Employment of Domestic Workers in Illinois
On August 1, 2022, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) adopted amendments that took immediate effect and impacted domestic workers, specifically those employed to complete tasks in individuals’ homes, as well as their employers. According to IDOL Director Jane Flanagan, the updated changes aim “to make domestic workers’ rights-on-the-job clearer and help domestic employers understand
Proposed Legislation: How a New Law on Marijuana Drug Tests May Impact Employment Law
As cannabis usage continues to become more prevalent, employers should remain aware of laws that impact employment. A proposed amendment to the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act provides safeguards for employees surrounding marijuana usage in the workplace. So long as the drug does not impair an employee’s ability to work, an employer may
New Chicago Minimum Wage and Fair Workweek Changes Beginning in July
Starting July 1, 2022, the City of Chicago’s annual increase in the minimum wage will take effect, as well as additional changes put forth in the Fair Workweek Ordinance. Pursuant to the Minimum Wage Ordinance, there are different wage increases depending on the size of the business. Beginning on July 1st, minimum wage will be
Expanded FMLA Coverage: New Law Affording Extended Bereavement Leave for Employees
On June 9, 2022, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law amendments to the Illinois Child Bereavement Leave Act. Starting January 1, 2023, the amendment will expand employee coverage, rename the Act and stipulate certain supporting documentation guidelines for bereavement leave requests. Expanded Coverage The amendment to the Act extends unpaid bereavement leave for employees experiencing
2022 Changes to Form I-9 Compliance Requirements
Completing Form I-9 is one of the most crucial steps in the hiring process, as it ensures employers are only employing people who are legally allowed to work in the United States. In 1986, I-9s were created by the passing of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) and since its creation, new I-9 forms
Deadlines for Chicago Employers: Amendments to Sexual Harassment Laws Impose New Guidelines and Requirements
Deadlines for Chicago Employers: Amendments to Sexual Harassment Laws Impose New Guidelines and Requirements On April 27, 2022, Chicago City Council approved amendments to the sexual harassment provisions of the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, which go into effect on July 1, 2022. Accordingly, Chicago-based employers have a quickly approaching deadline to implement these amendments, which
Illinois Employment Law Update – New Restrictions on Non-Compete Clauses
Effective January 1, 2022, the Illinois Freedom to Work Act (IFWA) adopted changes to limit the scope of restrictive covenants in employment contracts. While the law codifies substantive common law principles of restrictive covenants, it also sets forth new limitations regarding the use of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements. For example, prior to January 1, 2022,
Illinois Tees Up Employer Rules Around Marijuana Usage of Prospective Hires
Following the legalization of marijuana usage last year, Illinois has introduced legislation to navigate sectors of public life made murky by the drug’s newfound acceptance. Illinois house bill 4116 states that an employer may not refuse to hire someone or discipline an employee for a positive drug test for THC, the main part of marijuana
New Equal Pay Laws to Take Effect in 2022
Illinois has joined the nationwide trend around the United States of states enacting equal pay laws. Starting in January 2022, the Illinois Equal Pay Act (the “Act”) amendments will take effect. Under the new changes to the Act, originally passed in 2003, employers with more than 100 employees will be required to obtain an “Equal