Illinois All Workers Act Provides Greater Protections for Workers
The state of Illinois has recently passed a new employment law, known as the Illinois All Workers Act, which provides greater protections for workers across the state. The purpose of the law is to address the growing need for fair and just treatment of workers, regardless of their job classification or status as an independent contractor. The law went into effect in 2023 and provides new rights and benefits for workers in Illinois.
One of the key provisions of the Illinois All Workers Act is the requirement that employers provide all workers with a safe and healthy work environment. This includes providing appropriate protective equipment, implementing measures to prevent harassment and discrimination, and taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Employers are also required to provide workers with training on these issues and to take prompt action to address any safety concerns that may arise.
Another important provision of the Illinois All Workers Act is the requirement that employers provide workers with paid sick leave. Under the law, all workers are entitled to accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. This leave can be used for the worker’s own illness or to care for a family member. The law also provides that workers cannot be fired or otherwise penalized for using their earned sick leave.
The Illinois All Workers Act also provides new rights for independent contractors, who have historically been excluded from many of the protections afforded to employees. Under the law, independent contractors are now entitled to receive minimum wage and overtime pay, as well as workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured on the job. This is a major change from previous law, which did not provide independent contractors with these important protections.
In addition to these provisions, the Illinois All Workers Act also requires employers to provide workers with a written notice of their rights under the law. This notice must be provided to all new hires and must also be posted in a prominent location in the workplace. The notice must include information about the employer’s policies regarding paid sick leave, health and safety, and discrimination, among other things.
The Illinois All Workers Act also provides for enforcement mechanisms to ensure that employers comply with the law. Under the law, workers who believe that their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor, which will investigate the matter and determine the appropriate remedy. The law also provides for civil penalties for employers who violate the law, including fines and payment of damages to affected workers.
In conclusion, the Illinois All Workers Act provides a major step forward in the protection of workers’ rights in the state of Illinois. The law provides workers with important new benefits, including paid sick leave, a safe and healthy work environment, and protections for independent contractors.If you are an employee or independent contractor in Illinois and have questions about your rights under the law, it is important to speak with an experienced employment law attorney who can help you understand your rights and advocate on your behalf. Emery Law’s Ethan White is an employment attorney who regularly files charges and lawsuits for employees who have been treated illegally at work, including for unpayment of wages and the determination of independent contractor status. Ethan has more than a decade of pure litigation experience, primarily focusing on employee-side employment disputes, including discrimination, wage and hour, and retaliation. If you are dealing with workplace issues, you need an employment lawyer who will fight for you. Reach out today for a free initial consultation.