Getting a new job is exciting! But while you may be relieved to start right away, it’s important that you first secure an employment agreement. An employment agreement is extremely helpful, as it includes the major terms of your employment such as your compensation, the duties of your job, and your benefits....
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New Amendment Limits Conscious-based Vaccine Objections in IL
The Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act was first passed in 1977 in an effort to protect health care workers from discrimination based upon their refusal to participate in the delivery or receipt of health care services that they deemed “contrary to their conscience.” The Illinois Health Care...
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OSHA Suspends Enforcement of New Employer COVID Vaccine Rule
There’s no doubt that how employers choose to deal with whether to require the COVID vaccination of their employees has been widely contested. The Labor Department’s Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced the suspension of its enforcement of the newer Biden administration’s order concerning larger employers to require the COVID...
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Can You Be Fired Over Political Beliefs in IL?
It seems as though our society is more politically divided than ever before. But what if your employer and you share different beliefs? Can they fire you over political speech or your political affiliation? An “At Will” Employment State Illinois, which is an “at will” employment...
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What to Know About IL FMLA Laws
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows certain employees to take unpaid leave with the right to go back to work under certain conditions. Illinois law provides employees certain medical leave rights on top of those already mandatory under federal law. If more than one law applies and they contradict...
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Continuing to Work Remotely in Illinois
While the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of employees to work remotely, this new work model has become a mainstay for many businesses – even after it was safe to return to our offices. This is because many employers realized there are numerous benefits to working from home. If you are an employer...
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Can You Be Terminated for Your Conduct Outside of Work?
When not at work, you may not be thinking about your conduct and how it may impact your job. However, it’s important to determine whether or not your conduct outside of work could have you legally terminated from your job. Whether or not you can be terminated from your job depends...
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Can You Be Placed on Unpaid Leave if You Are a Vaccine-Exempt Employee?
While it has now been established that an employer has the legal right to mandate its workers to get vaccinated for COVID-19, some employees are still exempt for certain reasons: 1) medical under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); or 2) religious under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This begs...
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Employers in Chicago Prohibited from Disciplining Employees Who Take Time Off to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
For employees who work in the city of Chicago, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can no longer cost them their job. As of April 21, 2021, the Chicago City Council unanimously approved an Ordinance that makes it illegal for Chicago employers to either fire or discipline workers who leave work during normally scheduled...
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Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act Includes Care of Family Members
Personal sick leave is an extremely valuable benefit of a job as it allows employees to miss periods of work due to serious illness without worrying about losing their job for it. Under the Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act (ESLA), which was first enacted in 2017, Illinois employers are required to allow...
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