Mandatory training is common in many workplaces, but Illinois law has strict limits on when that time can be unpaid. The Illinois Minimum Wage Law defines “hours worked” more broadly than federal law and does not adopt the same federal exclusions for pre-and-post work...
Illinois prohibits discrimination in the workplace against job applicants and employees. The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) prohibits unfair treatment by employers. But which type of workers are protected? Here is who is protected: Protected characteristics in...
Your employer may have a reason for taking money from your paycheck, but it does not necessarily make the deduction legal. The law in Illinois places limits on when an employer can deduct wages you’ve already earned, and it’s important to understand your rights. Not...
Has a coworker, manager or employer even said something sexual to you that made you feel humiliated or uncomfortable? Workplace sexual harassment is reported by nearly 40 percent of women and 14 percent of men, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center...
Working hard is generally a feature of having a job, but regularly giving your employer time without proper compensation is another matter. If something about your paycheck or work hours consistently seems wrong, it may be worth looking more closely with the help of a...
The most common assumption about workplace sexual harassment is that it only happens between coworkers or supervisors. However, some may include situations that involve third parties like customers, clients, patients or vendors. If your job requires you to interact...
Employees expect to be treated fairly at work, but that’s not always what happens. In many cases, unfair treatment is upsetting, but it’s not necessarily illegal. However, if mistreatment stems from any legally protected characteristic, it may be considered legally...
Professionals planning to leave a job for a new opportunity sometimes have offers from similar businesses. Other times, they may plan to go into business for themselves. Either option could violate a noncompete agreement. Companies often require that new hires sign...
Whistleblowing involves an employee who works for a company drawing attention to unsafe or illegal business practices. Blue-collar workers might act as whistleblowers when companies violate safety standards. White-collar professionals may report financial misconduct,...
You may feel helpless, frustrated or even trapped when discrimination at work seems to go unchecked. Resigning in protest can start to feel like the only way out. However, it may not be the best move if you are considering a workplace discrimination claim. While the...