CHICAGO — Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill that guarantees paid leave for employees in Illinois on Monday. The legislation provides that paid leave shall accrue at the rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked. Employees will be paid their full wage while on leave and tipped workers will be paid the minimum wage in their respective locale. An employer cannot require an employee to find their replacement for the leave. Illinois is now the third state in the nation to guarantee paid leave.
“Employers benefit from allowing employees to tend to the urgent personal matters of their lives. Workers’ productivity increases, and they often gain greater passion for their job when they can manage the stresses they face outside work. I’m exceptionally proud that labor and business came together to recognize the value of this requirement to employees and employers alike” said Governor J.B. Pritzker.
Starting on March 31st, 2024, or 90 days following commencement of employment, workers can begin using their earned time off for any reason without the requirement of providing documentation to their employer under the Paid Leave for Workers Act.
Under existing law, workers are not guaranteed pay when taking time off for sick leave, childcare, mental health reasons, medical appointments, vacation, or any other reason.
This new law applies to every employee working for an employer in Illinois, including domestic workers, but does exclude independent contractors. The law will also exempt employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement in the construction industry and parcel delivery industry.
