Employers may be able to mandate that employees get a COVID-19 vaccination before returning to the workplace. The EEOC has updated its COVID-19 webpage to include a section regarding guidance on whether an employer-mandated vaccination policy would violate various federal laws. While the EEOC guidance does not directly state that mandatory vaccination policies are lawful, […]
Employment Law
Are “Karen Jokes” Just a Joke or Potential Evidence Against Employers of a Hostile Work Environment or Discrimination?
We have all seen “Karen Memes” or heard the “OK, Karen” refrain stated in response to what is basically a white, middle-aged woman, in a public place, acting in a manner that appears to stem from a sense of privilege. Karen memes show a white woman yelling to speak to a manager, belittling a worker, […]
Illinois’ Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training- Reminder
Time is running out. The Illinois Workplace Transparency Act requires all employers to train employees on sexual harassment prevention by December 31, 2020, and on an annual basis thereafter. This requirement applies to all employers with employees working in the State of Illinois. There is no Covid-19 pandemic response reprieve.
BIPA Claims May Be Heard In Federal Court
In a recent decision, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that a federal district court could hear certain Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) claims. An issue in many BIPA lawsuits specifically, and in many data privacy lawsuits generally, is whether the court has subject matter jurisdiction to hear the case. The issue is usually […]
Businesses Face Criminal Penalties Yet Gain Protection Under Illinois Mask Rules
On August 11, 2020, Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker was successful in a second attempt to criminalize business owners who fail to enforce his mask rules. Under Illinois’ new mask rule, local police and prosecutors may impose criminal fines up to $2,500 to enforce his emergency mask order.
Employers Can Be Fined $2,500 For Failure To Enforce Mask Rules
On August 11, 2020, Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker was successful in a second attempt to criminalize business owners who fail to enforce his mask rules. Under Illinois’ new mask rule, local police and prosecutors may impose criminal fines up to $2,500 to enforce his emergency mask order.
Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace after Illinois Legalized Marijuana
The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (“Cannabis Act”) legalized the use and possession of recreational cannabis for adults age 21 or older beginning January 1, 2020. The Cannabis Act allows Illinois residents at least 21 years old to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana flower and 5 grams of marijuana concentrate for personal use.
Deciphering Minimum Wage In Illinois Is Not An Easy Task
By now, most Illinois employers know that the minimum wage in Illinois has gone up. Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation providing a path to an Illinois minimum wage of $15.00 by 2025. As of July 1, 2020, Illinois’ minimum wage is $10 per hour but there are exceptions and nuances to the law and some […]
Employers Should Have a COVID-19-Return-to-Work Plan Before Reopening
As more states loosen the COVID-19 Shelter in Place laws and people begin to return to previously sheltered business, it is essential that businesses have a plan for how that return to work will look and, equally important, convey relevant portions of the plan to its employees.
Illinois Requires Written Sexual Harassment Prevention Policies For All Public Contractors
Illinois’ amended COVID-19 Shelter in Place rules permits essential workers, which includes most businesses that contract with the State of Illinois for essential services, including construction and healthcare, to continue to perform their essential functions. For businesses bidding for work with Illinois during this COVID-19 time they must understand and comply with the Illinois Human […]