Caralyn M. Olie
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The Illinois House of Representatives recently introduced House Bill 5769, which would create the Illinois Personal Protective Equipment Responsibility Act (the “Act”). The Act would require “essential employers” to provide personal protective equipment (“PPE”) to both employees and independent contractors. The Act defines an “essential employer” as an employer engaged in an “essential business” as … Continue Reading
The State of Illinois has taken strong measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Recognizing the impact of COVID-19 on the State of Illinois, on March 20, 2020, the Governor first issued Executive Order 2020-10 directing Illinois citizens to stay at home. The Governor has since issued Executive Orders 2020-32 and 2020-33 extending most of … Continue Reading
On April 28, 2020, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (the “IDHR”) published its model sexual harassment prevention training program, a copy of which is available here. As we have previously noted, effective January 1, 2020, the Illinois Human Rights Act requires Illinois employers to train employees on sexual harassment prevention by December 31, 2020, … Continue Reading
On June 17, 2020, the EEOC issued additional, revised technical assistance to employers, specifically addressing necessary considerations for employers that have employees returning to the workplace who are at higher risk for more severe illness due to COVID-19. This update supplemented the agency’s earlier guidance regarding best practices for diagnostic testing of employees, and the … Continue Reading
On August 9, 2019, Governor Pritzker signed into law Public Act 101-0221 (the “Act”), which enhances protections against workplace sexual harassment and discrimination. The Act creates new laws and amends several existing ones, including the Illinois Human Rights Act (“IHRA”), as summarized below: NEW LAWS The Workplace Transparency Act (“WTA”). The Workplace Transparency Act will … Continue Reading
On August 9, 2019, Illinois Governor Pritzker signed the Workplace Transparency Act (the “Act”) into law. The Act will apply to all contracts, agreements, clauses, or waivers entered into, modified, or extended on or after January 1, 2020. Here are the key features with respect to arbitration agreements, employment agreements and separation agreements that Illinois … Continue Reading
On July 24, 2019, the Chicago City Council passed and Mayor Lightfoot approved a predictive scheduling ordinance known as the Fair Workweek Ordinance (the “Ordinance”). It becomes effective on July 1, 2020. The following summarizes key features of the Ordinance. Covered Employers and Employees. Covered Employers are employers in the building services, healthcare, hotel, manufacturing, … Continue Reading
Illinois will soon become the eleventh state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. On June 25, 2019, Governor Pritzker signed into effect House Bill 1438—the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (“CRTA”). The CRTA, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2020, leaves some open questions for employers, but there are a few … Continue Reading
On May 8, 2019, the Seventh Circuit reaffirmed its test for determining employee status under federal anti-discrimination laws, holding that a physician lacked standing to bring Title VII claims against the hospital at which she maintained practice privileges because she was not an employee. Levitin v. Northwest Community Hospital, No. 16-cv-3774. Background Plaintiff owned and … Continue Reading
Illinois May Soon Require “Essential Employers” to Provide PPE for Workers
By Caralyn M. Olie, Edward Young, Hannah Morris and Steven J. Pearlman on Posted in Coronavirus, Workplace Policies and Procedures
Responding to COVID-19: Illinois Specific Considerations For Employers
By Caralyn M. Olie, Edward Young, Hannah Morris, Nigel F. Telman and Steven J. Pearlman on Posted in Coronavirus, Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation, Workplace Policies and Procedures
Illinois Publishes Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Program
By Caralyn M. Olie, Edward Young and Steven J. Pearlman on Posted in Coronavirus, Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation
EEOC Updates Its COVID-19 Guidance
By Caralyn M. Olie and Harris Mufson on Posted in Accessibility & Accommodation, Coronavirus, Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation
Substantial Changes Ahead for Illinois Employers in 2020 Relating to Sexual Harassment Training, Mandatory Arbitration Agreements, and More
By Caralyn M. Olie, Edward Young and Steven J. Pearlman on Posted in Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation, Litigation and Arbitration, Workplace Policies and Procedures
Illinois Enacts Workplace Transparency Act
By Caralyn M. Olie, Edward Young and Steven J. Pearlman on Posted in Hiring/Background Checks, Workplace Policies and Procedures
Chicago Enacts Fair Workweek Ordinance
By Caralyn M. Olie and Steven J. Pearlman on Posted in Uncategorized
Illinois Legalizes Recreational Marijuana: Impact on Employers
By Caralyn M. Olie, Edward Young, Hannah Morris and Steven J. Pearlman on Posted in Workplace Policies and Procedures
Seventh Circuit Reaffirms Test for Employee Status
By Caralyn M. Olie, Edward Young and Steven J. Pearlman on Posted in Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation, Independent Contractor, Litigation and Arbitration