Prevailing Wage Act News

Governor Quinn signs legislation to clarify and improve compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act.

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is highlighting recent changes to Illinois’ Prevailing Wage Act including a clarification of covered projects, added provisions requiring proper written notice be provided by public bodies and coverage of demolition work. Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 223, House Bill 163 and House Bill 952, respectively, to clarify and enhance the Act.  All three public acts are effective January 1, 2010.

Click here to see Advisory Notice (PDF)

Read more about the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act

Illinois State Plan News

Illinois OSHA public employee protection plan receives federal approval

The Safety Inspection & Education Division to use grant money to enhance safety and health enforcement of the OSHA standards for Illinois public sector employees.

Click here to see OSHA Press Release
Click here to see IDOL Press Release (PDF)

Click here for more information

Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act News

Governor Quinn signs legislation amending the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA).

On August 24, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 1770 which makes changes to the Victims’ Economic Security & Safety Act. Among the changes are:  employers with 15 or more employees are now covered under the Act and the definition of “family or household member” has been expanded. Other changes concern the notice to an employer of an employee’s intention to take leave, victims’ employment sustainability, prohibited discriminatory acts and notification to employees. SB 1770 became effective on August 24, 2009.

Illinois Department of Labor Reminds Workers of Labor Law that Protects Victims of Domestic Violence in the Workplace; Governor Quinn proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Click here to see Press Release

Click here to see Advisory Notice (PDF)

Read more about the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act

Equal Pay Act News

Illinois Department of Labor Enforces Expanded State Equal Pay Law; Governor Quinn signs legislation extending filing periods for gender pay discrimination claims.

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is highlighting recent changes to Illinois’ Equal Pay Act that expands protections for workers from gender-based wage discrimination. Governor Pat Quinn signed House Bill 3634 (HB 3634) on August 14, 2009, to enhance protections under the Act, giving complainants more time to file a complaint with the Department, more time to file a claim in civil court, and clarifying language in the statute regarding when a violation of the Act has occurred. HB 3634 is effective immediately.

Click here to see Press Release (PDF)

Read more about the Illinois Equal Pay Act

Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act News

Governor Quinn signs legislation amending the Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act.

On August 7, 2009, Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 1408 which makes changes to the Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act.  Among the changes are:  added civil penalties for operating a ride without a valid permit, an exemption for volunteers from certain provisions of the Act, required use of the National Sex Offender Public Registry when conducting sex offender registry checks, added options for obtaining the required background checks and additional recordkeeping requirements.  SB 1408 is effective immediately.

Click here to see Advisory Notice (PDF)

Read more about the Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act

Child Labor News

Illinois Department of Labor issues guidelines to employers and teenage summer job seekers
Department outlines requirements under Illinois Child Labor Law for thousands of teenagers planning to work statewide over the summer

Click here to see the Department's Press Release (PDF)

Safety Tips for Amusement Rides

Illinois Department of Labor provides tips for safe summer fun at amusement parks, street festivals and carnivals
With summer just around the corner and millions of people expected to make their way to popular amusement parks, festivals, street fairs and carnivals across the state, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is offering tips on how to stay safe while enjoying amusement rides and attractions. IDOL is responsible for inspecting rides and attractions that are open to the public -- before they are permitted to operate -- to ensure that they meet safety requirements and are operated according to manufacturers’ standards.

Click here to see the Department's Press Release (PDF)

Minimum Wage News

Illinois' Minimum Wage Increases to $8.00 on July 1st, 2009
Governor Quinn reminds Illinois employers and workers that the state’s minimum wage increases to $8.00 an hour starting on July 1,2009. The minimum wage will increase by an additional 25 cents on July 1, 2010.

Click here to see the Governor's Press Release (56 KB PDF)

Click here to see Public Act 94-1072

Click here to see the Illinois Hourly Minimum Wage Rates by Year (PDF)

Public Act 093-0912, Employer Notice of Change

This law amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Employers may not ask if an applicant had a juvenile record expunged and that application for employment must contain specific language that states that the applicant is not obligated to disclose expunged juvenile records of arrest or conviction. PB 093-0912 (PDF file) or in web format at PB 093-0912 on Legislature Web Site.