Wage Theft

Governor Quinn Signs Bill to Increase Wage Protections for Thousands of Illinois Workers.

Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law to increase protections for Illinois workers who are not paid the wages they have earned. The new law amends existing state law to help thousands of Illinois workers recover unpaid wages more quickly. 

Click here to see the Governor’s Press Release.

Click here for the fact sheet.

Minimum Wage News

Illinois’ Minimum Wage Increases to $8.25.

Governor Quinn reminds Illinois employers and workers that the state’s minimum wage increases to $8.25 an hour starting on July 1, 2010.

Click here to see the Governor’s Press Release

Click here to see Public Act 94-1072

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

Safety Tips for Carnival and Amusement Rides

Illinois Department of Labor Offers Safety Tips for Families Enjoying Amusement Parks, Street Fairs and Carnivals.

With summer approaching, the Illinois Department of Labor provides fair-goers with tips and information on being safe while riding amusement rides and attractions, such as mechanical rides, inflatable attractions, carousels, and go-karts.

Click here to see the Press Release

Read more about the Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act

Public Hearing – August 10, 2010

Illinois Preference Act News

Governor Quinn signs legislation to enhance Illinois’ Preference Act and boost the employment of Illinois construction workers.

On June 16, 2010, Governor Quinn signed HB 6349 (Public Act 96-929) which is aimed at enhancing the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act, commonly referred to as the Illinois Preference Act. HB 6349 requires contractors on state public works projects to employ a workforce comprised of at least 90% Illinois residents during periods of excessive unemployment.

Click here to see Advisory Notice (PDF)

Read more about the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act.

Child Labor Law News:

Illinois Department of Labor Reminds Employers and Teen Job Seekers of Protections under Child Labor Law.

Department issues guidelines for thousands of young teenagers planning to work over the summer.

“We want to make sure that these young job seekers in Illinois stay healthy and safe in the workplace,” said IDOL Director Catherine Shannon. “The law includes restrictions on the number of hours a child can work and details the type of work that may and may not be performed. Employers, parents, caregivers and children should be aware of the law’s requirements and protections.”

Click here to see the Press Release(PDF)

Equal Pay Act News

Illinois Department of Labor Marks Equal Pay Day and Highlights Thousands of Dollars Recovered for Workers under the State’s Equal Pay Act.

As April 20, 2010 marked Equal Pay Day in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) highlighted its efforts to end gender-based wage discrimination in Illinois workplaces. Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed Equal Pay Day in Illinois to underscore the need for pay parity between men and women for doing the same work and to create greater awareness of the State’s Equal Pay Act.

Click here to see Press Release

Read more about the Illinois Equal Pay Act

Illinois State Plan News

OSHA Assistant Secretary Joins Illinois Department of Labor to Recognize Illinois as OSHA State Plan

March 24, 2010 - The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) welcomed U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels to celebrate Illinois’ approval as an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) State Plan. Additionally, the State announced new health and safety outreach program to enhance safety and health for one million public employees.

Click here to see the press release (PDF)

Link to the video of the press conference

Click here for more information

Construction Apprenticeship Report Available Now!

Under the recently enacted State Construction Minority and Female Building Trades Act, all construction apprenticeship programs in Illinois are required to submit a report to the Illinois Department of Labor concerning the race, gender, ethnicity and national origin of apprentices participating in their programs. The Department has compiled the 2010 Construction Apprenticeship Report, which summarizes the demographic trends of the data received.

Click here for the Construction Apprenticeship Report

E-Verify Reporting Requirements:

Under the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act, all employers using the federal E-Verify Program (or other employment eligibility verification systems) must complete and maintain the required attestation form.

Employers directly enrolled in the federal E-Verify Program (or other employment eligibility verification systems) must complete and maintain the required attestation form by January 30, 2010. Employers using a Designated Agent approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have until February 28, 2010 to complete and maintain the required attestation form.

Click here for the attestation form

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

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

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

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.