I was recently at a seminar at a large university where the speaker stood at the podium and stated, “Hi, my name is… and the pronouns I most identify with are “ze, zirzirs.” The next speaker did the same, only this time the pronouns were “ze, hir and hirs.” A couple sitting next to me […]
Employment Law
ISERRA- New Illinois Military Leave Law Now in Effect
Illinois has a new law protecting Illinois service members’ employment rights while they are serving and protecting our country.
Illinois State Legislature Passes Bill That May Allow Increased Civil Claims Against Illinois Employers
On March 14, 2019, the Illinois House passed Senate Bill 1596 by a vote of 70-40-1. The Bill creates a statutory exception to the workers’ compensation exclusive remedy provision for occupational injuries otherwise barred due to the Acts’ repose provisions.
SMALL COMPANIES NEED TO KNOW THE EMPLOYMENT LAWS
Smaller companies often mistakenly believe that the state and federal employment discrimination laws do not apply to them because they are too small to be expected to know the laws or should not be held to the same standards of a larger company.
Illinois Employers Must Update Employee Reimbursement Policies by January 1, 2019
The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act has been amended to require reimbursement of employees expenses, which may include higher ticket items like cellular phones, cellular data service fees, home computers and internet provider fees for employees who are expected to work remotely and more travel expenses.
All Employers Need A Workplace Violence Policy or Plan
Employers need to be proactive in formulating a written policy for workplace violence. The news is replete with stories of workplace violence. A disgruntled ex-employee, coworker or spouse of an employee, or sometimes just a random customer or stranger walks in and violence breaks out.
Illinois Expanded Its ‘Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act’ to Require Paid Breaks for Nursing Moms
The Illinois Legislature recently approved amendments to the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act, 820 ILCS 260, changing nursing mothersunpaid breaks to paid. Under 820 ILCS 260, Section 10, any covered employer must provide paid breaks to mothers needing time to express breast milk:
Federal Courts Are Expanding Title VII Protections to Transgender Status and Sexual Orientation
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination “because of . . . sex.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a) (2012 Since its enactment, the Supreme Court has interpreted Title VII expansively to prohibit not only discrimination based on gender, but also same-sex sexual harassment and discrimination based on gender stereotypes. Nevertheless, the […]
Department of Labor Relaxes the “Unpaid Intern Test” in time for Summer Employment.
This is the season when employers are finalizing their plans for summer interns. The summer internship gives students experience in the working world and the company is provided the opportunity to get to know the student prior to extending post-graduation employment offers.
Does the DOT Medical Exam Violate the ADA: 4 Ways Motor Carriers Can Comply with Both
When hiring or recruiting drivers, commercial truck driving companies must walk a tightrope between not violating the Department of Transportation’s health standards for long-haul truck drivers (DOT Regulations)