New Laws Taking Effect in 2023 Impact Employers, Employees

As the New Year begins, employers and employees across the State should be aware of new laws taking effect that impact workplace rights.

In 2019, Governor Pritzker led the effort to increase the minimum wage for workers in Illinois. The law passed increases the wage by $1 every year through 2025. This year the minimum wage increases to $13 an hour, and $7.80 an hour for tipped workers.

Unpaid leave rights are being expanded for employees. The Family Bereavement Leave Act amends what was the Child Bereavement Leave Act (CBLA) to expand job-protected leave to cover pregnancy loss, failed adoptions, unsuccessful reproductive procedures, and other diagnoses or events negatively impacting pregnancy or fertility.

The amended One Day Rest in Seven Act gives workers the right to a day of rest every workweek and breaks for meals or rest during daily work shifts.

An amendment to the Employee Sick Leave Act mandates that employers who provide sick leave benefits must allow employees to take leave in the event of a family member illness.