There are been some important changes to the law for employers in 2016, and it is important to make sure your company is in compliance. Review these changes below and speak with our dedicated Chicago employment law attorneys to ensure your business is ready to comply.
- On July 1, 2016, the Minimum Wage for the City of Chicago increased to $10.50 an hour for employees who do not receive tips, and $5.95 an hour to employees that receive tips. The minimum wage will continue to increase every July 1 until it reaches $13.00 an hour in July 1, 2019.
- Illinois recently passed the Child Bereavement Leave Act. Companies with at least 50 employees must provide up to 2 weeks of leave to an employee who suffered the death of a child. However, an employee is not eligible for the leave if the employee has already used the 12 weeks of unpaid leave available under the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”). If an employee suffers the loss of more than 1 child during a 12 month period, the employee is able to take up 6 weeks of unpaid leave. The employee must provide at least 48 hours of notice before taking the leave.
- The Department of Labor changed the overtime rules for employees, and the new rules are effective December 1, 2016. We previously explained the rule changes here.
- The City of Chicago recently passed a new ordinance requiring eligible employees to receive up to 40 hours of sick leave. Employees must receive at least 1 hour of sick leave for every 40 hours they work. Employees can also carry over up to 20 hours of sick leave to the next year. To be eligible, an employee must work within the City of Chicago for 2 hours a week in any 2 week period, and work 80 hours for the employer in any 120 day period. The ordinance applies to all businesses, regardless of the number of employees they have. There is an exception for employees if they have a collective bargaining agreement.
- At the beginning of the year, the Illinois Equal Pay Act was amended to apply to all companies. It previously only applied to companies with 4 or more employees. The amendment also increased the penalties for violating the law.
If you have any questions about these changes, want more information, or are interested in how the changes will impact your employment or business, call The Prinz Law Firm at 312.212.4450 or schedule a consultation with us online.