Illinois Director of Labor highlights new worker protection laws

Jane Flanagan, Director of the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss enhanced child labor laws, pay transparency requirements and a new mediation unit for wage disputes.

Illinois strengthened its child labor protections with a law effective Jan. 1, 2024. The legislation sets standards for working conditions of children 15 and younger, limits hours, and hazardous occupations and updates the school certification process. Flanagan emphasized the importance of deterring serious violations, noting there are now penalties of up to $60,000 for a child's death and $30,000 for injury or illness. She highlighted a recent $4.5 million settlement with a commercial food production company for egregious child labor violations, demonstrating the law's impact.

The state of Illinois also implemented a pay transparency amendment to the Illinois Equal Pay Act, requiring employers with 15 or more employees to include pay scale and benefit information in job postings. Flanagan said the amendment addresses gender and racial wage gaps by equalizing bargaining power and opening more promotional opportunities for workers. Additionally, a new pay stub requirement ensures employees can access their pay information, even after leaving a job, to address potential wage claims or issues with final paychecks.

To improve efficiency in resolving wage disputes, the IDOL launched a mediation unit for small claims. Flanagan described how this voluntary program helps resolve straightforward claims under $500 quickly, freeing up resources for more complex cases. She said the initiative has shown early success, with over half of mediated claims being resolved, benefiting workers and employers by avoiding lengthy administrative processes.

Listen to the full episode to hear more from Flanagan on Illinois' efforts to protect workers and promote fair labor practices.