Protecting Employers Since 1985

It’s Complicated/It’s Expensive: New City of Chicago Paid Leave and Sick Leave Ordinance

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / December 1, 2023

On November 9, 2023, the City of Chicago enacted the new Paid Leave and Sick Leave Ordinance to take effect on December 31, 2023. What Employers are covered under the new law? Any employer with at least one employee, except employers under a collective  bargaining agreement on or before January 1, 2024. However, this exception…

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Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act to Take Effect January 1, 2024

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / October 31, 2023

On March 13, 2023, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to take effect on January 1, 2024. What employers are covered under the new law?  Private and public employers with at least one employee. Also includes State of Illinois, local governments, and political subdivision employers. What employers are…

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Attention Illinois Employers: New Law Affects Businesses Using Temporary Workers in Illinois

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / September 27, 2023

Background: On August 4, 2023, House Bill 2862 was signed by Governor Pritzker. This legislation amends the Illinois Day and Temporary Labor Services Act to expand the pay and benefit rights of the temporary workers as well as increased safety oversight by both the agencies and the third-party business that use such workers. Effective: July…

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Attention Employers: New Federal Law Protecting Pregnant Workers

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / August 29, 2023

On June 27, 2023, the new federal law, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) went into effect.  Who is covered under the new law? Private and public sector employers with at least 15 employees, Congress, Federal agencies, employment agencies, and labor organizations. Note: employees and job applicants are covered by this law. What does the law…

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Attention Illinois Employers: Changes in the Law Will Soon Affect Businesses Using Temporary Employees in Illinois

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / June 20, 2023

Background: On June 16, 2023, House Bill 2862 was sent to Governor Pritzker for signature. This legislation will amend the Illinois Day and Temporary Labor Services Act to expand the pay and benefit rights of the temporary workers as well as increased safety oversight by both the agencies and the third-party business that use such…

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Federal Law – “Speak Out Act!” – Limits the Use of Non-Disclosure and Non-Disparagement Provisions in Pre-Dispute Employee/Employer Agreements

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / March 30, 2023

Effective Date: President Biden signed it into law on December 7, 2022. What It Does: Renders unenforceable non-disclosure and non-disparagement provisions in employee/employer agreements. Type of Agreements: Related to allegation of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment and that are entered into “before the dispute arises.”   “Before the Dispute Arises” Defined: Before a lawsuit is…

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Illinois Employers Be Alert: The CROWN Act Will Protect Natural Hairstyles in the Workplace

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / February 1, 2023

On June 29, 2022, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) Act, effective January 1, 2023. What is changed: The CROWN Act amends the Illinois Human Rights Act in an expanded definition of protection due to race. What is the new definition of race: “Race”…

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Major Changes Coming to Non-Compete/Non-Solicitation Restrictive Covenants in Illinois

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / September 27, 2021

On August 13, 2021, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law major amendments to the Illinois Freedom to Work Act which will become effective January 1, 2022. What is covered: Employment agreements with non-compete and non-solicitation covenants signed after January 1, 2022.  New Salary Requirements: Prohibits non-competes with employees earning less than $75,000 per year. Prohibits…

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Illinois Employers Beware! The Illinois Sick Leave Act Differs from the FMLA as to Covered Family Members and Reasons for Leave

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / July 29, 2021

Illinois employers must carefully review their sick leave policies to ensure compliance under both state and federal laws.

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Employers Beware: Illinois Law Amended to Protect Applicants and Employees with Criminal Conviction Record

By Anthony J. Caruso Jr. / June 1, 2021

On March 23, 2021, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act (P.A. 101-656) with regard to criminal conviction records of applicants and employees in the state of Illinois. The amendments took effect immediately, so Illinois employers must become well informed about the new restrictions on the ability of an…

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