Illinois Department of Labor Laws
- The Department ensures that minimum wage laws are followed and that people are receiving equal pay for doing the substantially same work. The Department's wage protection laws also contain provisions requiring that workers receive one day's rest after working seven consecutive days and that workers are paid the general prevailing wage for public construction projects.
Perhaps one of the most common concerns is over wage amount. The Department is the authority on minimum wage in Illinois. As of 2009, the minimum wage in Illinois was $8 per hour for adults. Workers under the age of 18 may be paid $7.50 per hour. The minimum wage laws also require employers to pay its employees overtime if they work over 40 hours during one work week. - The Department has laws which pertain to certain workers rights. Two common issues include child labor and workplace privacy.
The child labor laws control any employer who employs workers under the age of 16. The Department of Labor protects these young workers by requiring employers to submit employment certificates that confirm the minor is old enough to work and capable to perform the work. In addition, the work cannot interfere with the youngster's school requirements, it cannot be dangerous or hazardous, and the hours can only be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (with some exceptions).
In terms of workplace privacy, the Department ensures that employees who partake in alcohol and tobacco on their own time (away from the job site) will be protected in choosing to use these substances. An employer cannot fire an employee because that employee drinks alcohol or smokes cigarettes while not at work. - The Department has laws that regulate certain professions such as nursing and door-to-door sales. Under these laws, the Department lays out various criteria necessary to receive the license and mandates certain levels of standards that these professions must adhere to. Persons interested in becoming registered nurses or employers who wish to use minors in their door-to-door sales must register with the Department and follow the Department rules and regulations on these issues.
- The Department modeled its workplace safety statute after the Federal standards set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). This law mandates certain safety procedures be in place, such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and available exits. This law also requires employers to ensure the safety of its workers by educating the employees about certain hazards and by reducing or eliminating dangers in the workplace. The law imposes a duty on the employers, the breach of which the employees may have a remedy for.
- One interesting aspect of the Department of Labor is its laws regarding carnival and amusement park ride safety. At first glance, it does not seem related to labor or work. However, the law requires that operators of these establishments must have the rides inspected annually. Further, permits must be required to operate the rides. The law also prohibits hiring certain classes of people, most notably those who have criminal histories of sexual offenses. The law requires employers to properly train its workers in the operation of the rides. In essence, this law protects both the public (who use and enjoy the rides) and the employees (who operate the rides).