Fundamental Worker Rights

Receive proper payment for all hours actually worked.

Receive overtime pay at time-and-a-half for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek, as required by law.

Receive at least the applicable minimum wage established by law.

Receive workers’ compensation (approximately 66% of wages) and payment of all related medical expenses if you suffer a work injury or accident.

Have a safe and healthy workplace where your life and physical integrity are not put at risk.

Be free from workplace discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Organize and participate in collective actions to improve working conditions, as permitted by law.

Have at least twenty-four (24) consecutive hours of rest in every seven-day period, except where allowed by law.

Receive a meal period of at least 20 minutes for each shift of 7.5 to 8 hours. The meal period must begin no later than five hours after the start of the shift. Employers may request government approval for employees to work the seventh day, provided the decision is voluntary.

During pregnancy, workers are entitled to reasonable accommodations, such as job duty modifications, more frequent breaks, assistance with heavy physical work, or time off for pregnancy-related recovery.

In Cook County and the City of Chicago, the minimum wage is adjusted annually in July based on inflation indexes.

If you work in Cook County or the City of Chicago, you are entitled to five (5) paid sick days within a twelve-month period, according to local regulations.

In Illinois, the Temporary Worker Fairness and Safety Act (TWFSA) guarantees equal pay for equal work for temporary workers assigned to the same position for more than 90 days.

As of January 1, 2024, you are entitled to paid leave accruing at one hour for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.
This paid time off may be used for any purpose, including physical illness, mental health needs, vacation, or other personal matters.