Illinois has introduced several new and amended labor and employment laws effective January 1, 2025. These updates will significantly impact businesses operating in the state. Key highlights include:

Employee Rights and Workplace Changes

• Inspection of Pay Stubs: Current and former employees can request detailed pay stubs, with employers required to comply within 21 days.
• Expanded Discrimination Protections: Includes reproductive health decisions and family responsibilities as protected classes.
• Pay Transparency: Employers with 15+ employees must include pay scales and benefits in job postings.
• Captive Audience Prohibition: Employees are protected from mandatory employer-sponsored meetings on political or religious views.

Industry-Specific Updates

• Child Labor Laws: Updated standards limit work hours for minors under 16, enhance enforcement, and define permitted job roles.
• Personnel Record Review: Employees can access additional employment-related documents.

Legal and Compliance Obligations

• Whistleblower Protections: Expanded definitions and remedies for employee disclosures.
• Use of E-Verify: New obligations for employers using electronic employment verification systems.

Employers should review their policies and consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance. For further details, refer to the Illinois Department of Labor's updates.