As 2025 approaches, Illinois is enacting significant new legislation that enhances employee rights and workplace protections. These updates affect areas such as pay transparency, discrimination protections, and child labor laws, signaling the state’s commitment to fostering fair and inclusive workplaces.
Time to File with the Illinois Department of Human Rights
As of January 1, 2025, Illinois will extend the statute of limitations (time limit) to file a charge with the IDHR from 300 days to two years.
Pay Transparency Requirements
Starting in 2025, companies in Illinois with at least 15 employees must include wage ranges and applicable benefits in all job listings. This aligns Illinois with states like Colorado, California, and Washington, where similar laws are already in place. This measure aims to reduce wage disparities and empower job seekers with critical information about compensation upfront.
Expanded Anti-Discrimination Protections
House Bill 2161 introduces groundbreaking protections against workplace discrimination. Employers will now be prohibited from discriminating against employees based on family responsibilities, such as caring for children or sick relatives. While accommodations under this law are not required (as they fall under the Family and Medical Leave Act), it prevents employers from making biased decisions based on assumptions about caregiving duties.
Additionally, the Illinois Human Rights Act now includes reproductive health decisions, such as abortion, birth control, and maternity care, as protected characteristics. These updates ensure that employees are shielded from discriminatory practices related to their personal health decisions.
Child Labor Reforms
The “Child Labor Law of 2024,” effective January 1, 2025, reinforces protections for minors in the workforce. Key changes include stricter limits on working hours for children under 16 and enhanced considerations for their health and education during work permit evaluations. These updates aim to safeguard young workers’ well-being while preserving their right to age-appropriate employment opportunities.
Fair Wages for Employees with Disabilities
The Dignity in Pay Act, to be fully implemented by 2029, will eliminate the subminimum wage for employees with disabilities. This landmark legislation ensures these workers are compensated at least the state’s minimum wage, reinforcing Illinois’ commitment to equity and dignity in the workplace.
Worker Freedom of Speech Act
This new law prohibits employers from holding mandatory meetings to discuss company views on religious and political matters, including union membership. Employers will be prohibited from taking an adverse action against an employee for: declining to attend such a “captive audience” meetings; or, making a good-faith report that the employer is in violation of the WFSA. Employers must also post a notice of employee rights under the WFSA on or before January 31, 2025.
These legislative updates reflect Illinois’ dedication to fairness and equity in employment, offering robust protections to employees across the state. If you are an employee 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 options 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. Ethan has more over 15 years of pure litigation experience, primarily focusing on employee-side employment disputes, including discrimination, wage and hour, and retaliation. From our office in Oak Brook, we serve clients primarily in Cook, DuPage, and Will counties. If you are dealing with workplace issues, you need an employment lawyer who will fight for you. Contact Emery Law today.
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