When You Need Attorneys That Understand Both Sides,
You Turn To Goldman & Ehrlich

New employee protections for family responsibilities in 2025

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2025 | EMPLOYMENT LAW (EMPLOYEE) - Workplace Discrimination

The start of a new year typically features new state employment laws. Fortunately, here in Illinois, those new laws generally expand employee rights. Several of the new employment-related laws that took effect on January 1 involve amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Many people have to juggle a full-time job with being a parent or grandparent or taking care of elderly, ill or disabled family members. With the cost of care facilities out of many people’s reach, they have to (and often want to) take in elderly and other loved ones who can’t live on their own.

Some employers are understanding of these family responsibilities and work with employees to allow them the flexibility and time off they need to fulfill their family responsibilities while still being able to do their job. Unfortunately, many employers don’t do anything they aren’t legally required to do for their employees.

What “family responsibilities” are included?

The amended law protects employees who need to care for a close relative from discrimination and retaliation. This includes care for a:

  • Child, stepchild or grandchild
  • Spouse or domestic partner
  • Parent, parent-in-law or grandparent
  • Sibling

Under the law, “care” includes things like taking them to medical appointments or visiting them in the hospital as well as meeting their basic needs (including emotional support).

What kinds of actions are a violation of the law?

The change in the law adds “family responsibilities” to the list of things for which it is a civil rights violation to discriminate against employees or potential employees in hiring, promotion, termination and other employment actions. Harassment of someone based on their family responsibilities is also a violation. Further, employers can’t retaliate against employees for asserting their legal rights.

In announcing the change in the law, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said, “Being a caregiver is one of the most important roles a person can take on, and in Illinois, we’re making sure no one is penalized for stepping up for their loved ones. With this law, we’re strengthening protections for workers and ensuring caregivers can balance their responsibilities at work and at home.”

Of course, some employers will always try to find a way around the law or ignore it completely and hope that employees don’t know their rights or will be afraid to assert them. That’s where legal guidance can be helpful if you believe your legal rights are being violated.

Archives