On January 1, 2017 a number of new laws went into effect in Illinois. Whether you are an employer or an employee, here are some employment laws you should know:
Social Media Password Protections
House Bill 4999 makes it illegal for an employer, or potential employer, to ask you to sign into your social media account in order to view your activities online. The legislation strengthens current laws that prohibit employers from accessing their employees’ social media accounts.
Additionally, the law makes it wrongful for an employer (or third party) to use log-in information gained through network security to access the “employee’s personal online account” and in most instances requires an employer to delete that information.
The amendment to the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act also prohibits employers and potential employers from discriminating or retaliating against employees for failure to provide information about social media accounts. A complaint can be filed with the Illinois Department of Labor or a lawsuit may be filed if it is not resolved with the DOL.
Non-Compete Agreements And Low-Wage Employees
Senate Bill 3163 bans businesses from asking an employee who is paid the greater of (1) federal, state or local minimum wage or (2) $13.00 an hour to sign a non-compete agreement. In such agreement is “illegal and void” as a matter of law in Illinois. This law went into effect on January 1, 2017.
Flexible Use of Sick Leave
Senate Bill 6162 allows employees more flexibility in how they use their sick leave, making it a requirement that businesses that provide sick leave to employees to allow employees to use sick leave for immediate family members. There are some caps and other requirements.
Extension Of Employment Protection for Domestic Workers
House Bill 1288 creates a “Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights,” extending Illinois’ employment protections to domestic workers, such as housekeepers and nannies.
Maduff and Maduff have been specializing in discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour theft for more than 20 years. For more information or help with your employment law needs, contact Maduff & Maduff today.