Illinois Employment Law Updates for 2024

What Employers and Workers Need to Know: Effective January 1, 2024

The Illinois Department of Labor has announced major updates to employment laws. The changes impact wages, working conditions, and employee rights. Here's a brief summary that every Illinois employer should be aware of:

Minimum Wage & Overtime

Minimum Wage: Increases to $14.00 per hour.

Tipped Employees: Minimum wage set at $8.40 per hour.

Youth Workers (Under 18): $12.00 per hour for those working fewer than 650 hours per year.

Overtime: Most hourly and some salaried employees must receive time and a half for over 40 hours per week.

Paid Leave

Accrual: Employees earn 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked.

Flexibility: Paid leave can be used for any reason without employer interference.

Violent Crime Victims’ Leave

Special protections are required for victims or family members of domestic, gender, or sexual violence.

These extend to victims of other violent crimes too. Employers must offer up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.

Equal Pay Act

Employers must pay equal wages regardless of gender or race and may NOT ask about past salary.

Child Labor Laws

Age Restrictions: Workers under 16 are quite limited in the jobs they can perform. There are also strict limits on the hours that they can work. Click here to learn the specifics.

Employment Certificates: Workers aged 14-15 require certification from their school district. Their jobs must also take place non-hazardous work environments.

Unpaid Wages

Employees must receive final compensation on their next scheduled payday. Employers shall not withhold wages or other earnings

Meal & Rest Periods

Rest days and meal breaks are required for employees working over 7.5 continuous hours.

Compliance & Posting Requirements

Employers MUST display these updates in a conspicuous place on their premises.

For a complete text of the laws and more detailed information, visit Illinois Department of Labor's website.