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What are the specific labor laws in Illinois that I need to know as an employer?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As an employer in Illinois, there are several labor laws that you should be aware of, including:

  1. The Illinois Minimum Wage Law: The current minimum wage in Illinois is $11 per hour for non-tipped employees and $6.60 per hour for tipped employees. You must pay your employees at least this amount, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time.
  2. The Illinois Human Rights Act: This act prohibits discrimination in employment based on factors such as race, gender, age, disability, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation. It is illegal to harass an employee based on any of these factors, and you must take steps to prevent and address such harassment in the workplace.
  3. The Illinois Prevailing Wage Act: This act requires that workers on public works projects be paid the prevailing wage for their relevant trade or occupation. If you are a contractor working on a public works project, you must ensure that your employees are paid the prevailing wage.
  4. The Illinois Workers' Compensation Act: This act requires that employers provide workers' compensation insurance to their employees in case of on-the-job injuries or illnesses. If an employee is injured or becomes ill during the course of their employment, they are entitled to medical care and wage replacement benefits through workers' compensation insurance.
  5. The Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act: This act requires that employees be given at least 24 hours off in every calendar week. In some industries, such as healthcare, exemptions exist for certain employees.

In addition to these laws, there may be other federal, state, or local laws that apply to your specific industry or business. It is important to consult with a licensed attorney or human resources professional to ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant labor laws.

If you believe that you may have violated a labor law or if you receive notice of a complaint or investigation, it is important to take swift action to rectify the situation and seek advice from a licensed attorney. Failure to comply with labor laws can result in fines, lawsuits, and damage to your reputation as an employer.