Even though Illinois is an “at will” employment state, there are still circumstances where an employee may be able to sue an employer for breach of contract. Contracts may be more than a specific written agreement signed by an employer and employee; other written documents, or even unwritten standards adhered to by an employer concerning the way the majority of…
A leave from work to care for your own medical condition or a serious medical condition of a loved one is typically covered under employment laws. The employee’s job will be held for the specified length of time as per their employment contract. However, if the employee loses a close family member, most companies do not have the same policies…
Unemployment can be a double-edged sword for some families. Past-due bills and financial hardship can create a less-than-perfect credit score. So why do some employers find it necessary to run a credit check for potential employees? While Federal law requires written permission for an employer to check your credit, it can be unsettling to go through the interview process and…
As an employee in Illinois, you are entitled to work in a hazard-free, discrimination-free environment. Every employer has legal obligations to their employees. The Chicago employment and discrimination lawyers at Goldman & Ehrlich can offer invaluable guidance to employees who feel their rights are being violated by their employer. Specific Legal Rights of Illinois Employees Legal rights of employees include:…
Under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title 1, an employer with 15 or more employees is required to provide a disabled person with the same opportunities to perform their job function as they do for an employee without a disability. This does not give preferential treatment to the disabled employee; but does provide equal opportunity. An employer must accommodate…
Keeping the peace between employer and employees is beneficial to both, but often an arduous task. Employers want employees to work to the best of his or her ability while maintaining a positive morale. Employees feel the need to hold on to their jobs even if they disagree or dislike their boss. High morale can prevent costly turnovers and increase…
The Department of Labor (DOL) states that unless an employer is a non-profit organization, using an intern for unpaid labor is against the law according to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Many businesses experiencing a down-turn attempt to find interns who are willing to provide free labor simply for the opportunity of gaining experience, or a “trainee” in their…
If your job loss was a result of your being fired, and you believe your termination was due to your legal rights being violated, the Goldman & Ehrlic law firm is your best resource to assist you in determining if you should pursue legal recourse against your former employer. Wrongful Discharge in Chicago The State of Illinois adheres to the…
In the workplace, all employees should be treated with the same level of respect and professionalism, regardless if you are a man or a woman. However, sometimes this simply does not happen. And if it doesn’t, it is against the law. How do you know if you are experiencing gender discrimination? Your first step should be to speak with a…
A “whistleblower” is someone who reports misconduct or wrongdoing to the proper authorities. In an employment context, this usually means the whistleblower is someone on the inside who knows unlawful or unethical activity is going on, and reports it to either another employee or a superior. Many people are fearful of whistleblowing, due to possible retaliation by the company, and…