Blog

A standard feature found on most job applications is a request for a candidate’s employment history, and often, his or her prior wage or salary.  For Illinois employers, however, it’s time to update that job application because asking for past salary information is a violation of the Illinois Equal Pay Act beginning Sunday, September 29, […]

Over the past 20 years or so, mediation and other dispute resolution mechanisms have become an increasingly popular choice by litigants to resolve active legal disputes.  These days, it’s not uncommon for state and federal court systems to mandate some form of an early resolution process, and most of those familiar with the process give […]

Since 2003, Illinois has maintained a law similar to the federal Equal Pay Act, requiring men and women to be paid the same compensation for similar work. Under the Illinois Equal Pay Act (“IEPA”), it is a violation to pay different wages to different genders unless the employer can demonstrate that a factor other than […]

Employees who believe that they have been discriminated against in the workplace on the basis of age, disability, gender, race or similar characteristics can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR”). The IDHR is charged with the responsibility of investigating such claims, and often, aids in negotiating a resolution to the […]

Just when you thought you had a handle on the various governmental departments, agencies, and bureaus tasked with maintaining workplace compliance, the city of Chicago recently created the Office of Labor Standards (“OLS”) to investigate and remedy wage-related claims brought by employees. The OLS is designed to enforce ordinances established by the city of Chicago […]