New Illinois Labor Laws

Chicago recently passed the Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinancewhich addresses employee concerns about irregular schedules, short notice of shift changes, and other unpredictable elements of their work. The ordinance requires employers to provide adequate notice of work schedules as well as estimates of an employee’s average weekly hours within the first 90 days of employment. The ordinance also imposes penalties for schedule changes without notice. The new law takes effect July 1, 2020.

The Workplace Transparency Act, effective January 1, 2020, restricts certain non-disparagement and non-disclosure clauses in employment agreements, separation agreements, and settlement agreements. The Act also requires annual sexual harassment training and restricts mandatory arbitration policies for sexual harassment and other discrimination claims.

Business Takeaway: A timely reminder for those with any employees who work in Illinois, and especially Chicago and Cook County. Also perhaps a harbinger of what is to come for other regions of the country. Contact Mark at 414-446-8800 or mark@goldsteinsc.com if you have questions regarding these recent Illinois developments.