Illinois has a law called the One Day Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA) that has been in effect since the beginning of 2023. As the name suggests, it requires employers to give workers at least one 24-hour period off every seven calendar days. The purpose is to ensure that no one has to work more than seven days in a row.
The law also addresses meal and rest break requirements. Specifically, employees who are working at least a 12-hour shift must get a 20 minute break. Further, employers must post a notice explaining employees’ rights under ODRISA where employees can see it.
As we discussed in an earlier post, some types of employers may be able to get exemptions – for example, health care and emergency services providers. However, they must obtain a permit from the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL).
What’s new?
Employers who don’t comply with the law can be subject to fines and other penalties. Unfortunately, that can lead to retaliation for workers who assert their rights under the law and who report an employer who isn’t complying with it.
That’s why, this March, the ODRISA was amended to include a section on retaliation. It prohibits retaliation by an employer who violates that law and then “takes an adverse action against, or in any other manner discriminates against any employee” for exercising their rights, makes a complaint to their employer or testifies against their employer in an “investigation or proceeding under this Act”
People are often anxious to work as many hours as possible if it means more take-home pay. However, it’s crucial to understand that there are limits to how much employees can be required or even allowed to work. It’s also crucial to know that employer retaliation against employees is typically illegal. When an employee has questions or concerns about their rights being violated or other illegal actions by their employers, getting sound legal guidance can be a wise step.