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Illinois

Be prepared to explain why women earn less than men doing the same work

04/19/2012
If you pay women and men different rates for the doing the same work, you had better have a good reason—one that can stand up in court. Otherwise, you’ll probably wind up on the losing end of an Equal Pay Act (EPA) lawsuit.

Bias against German cop costs Chicago $30,000

04/19/2012
The city of Chicago must pay one of its police officers $30,000 after a jury found the Chicago Police Department tolerated discrimination by a police sergeant.

Beware sudden criticism after FMLA request

04/02/2012
Here’s something to watch out for when approving a supervisor’s recommendation to discipline or discharge an employee. If the employee has requested FMLA leave and was previously performing well, be suspicious of claims she’s now performing poorly.

Poor performer? Give examples during review

04/02/2012
Not every new hire works out—including applicants who looked promising or at least competent during the interview process. You’ll want to give the employee a chance to improve, but you’ll also want to protect the company in the event of a lawsuit. Providing a detailed and thorough performance review that includes specific examples and suggestions will help.

How does the state’s civil union law affect employer-provided health benefits?

03/22/2012
Q. How does the Illinois Religious Freedom Pro­­tec­­tion and Civil Union Act affect health benefits?

How does Illinois’ civil union law interact with federal discrimination laws?

03/22/2012
Q. How does the Illinois Religious Freedom Pro­tec­­tion and Civil Union Act affect an employer’s obligations under federal law?

What are the implications for employers of Illinois’ new civil union law?

03/22/2012
Q. We are aware that the Illinois Civil Union Act is in effect. Could you please tell us more about it?

After Wal-Mart, Illinois court & 7th Circuit uphold class certification

03/22/2012
Class-action litigation returned to the spotlight with last year’s Supreme Court decision in Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes. In Wal-Mart v. Dukes, the Supreme Court refused to certify what would have been the largest-ever employment class action against a private employer. Now the 7th Circuit has weighed in.

EEOC targets last-chance deals that limit employee rights

03/22/2012
The EEOC has won the first round in a legal battle over whether an em­­ployer may ask workers to waive their rights to file future discrimination claims.

‘Walking the corn’ deaths lead to fines

03/22/2012
Mount Carroll-based Haasbach LLC has resolved 25 OSHA citations stemming from the deaths of two young workers at its grain bin facility.