Paid Leave for All Workers Act Takes Effect January 1st, 2024.
Workers will begin earning up to 40 hours of paid time off.
The new law (Paid Leave for All Workers Act (illinois.gov)) allows workers to earn up to 40 hours of paid leave in a 12-month period. Workers will accrue one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked.
Governor JB Pritzker signed the landmark legislation in March, making Illinois the third state in the nation and the first in the Midwest to mandate paid leave for any reason.
“Illinois is the most pro-worker state in the nation, and the Paid Leave for All Workers Act is a prime example of those values translating into action,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Starting January 1st,
I couldn’t be prouder that Illinois is officially becoming the first state in the Midwest to mandate paid leave for any reason. From raising the minimum wage to enshrining the right to collective bargaining in our state constitution, my administration will continue to support and protect Illinois’ workforce at every turn.”
“The Paid Leave for All Workers Act furthers our Administration’s commitment to uplift the working families of Illinois,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “As a mother and former caregiver to a parent, I understand that life happens in the most unexpected ways. Our residents deservesupport and security when those curveballs come and this Act will continue to make Illinois the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
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.
What does it mean?
“Paid Leave for all Workers means more protection and flexibility for workers in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “This new law allows workers to step away from work and answer when the unpredictability of life comes calling without the threat of losing pay or their job.”
Workers 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.
This law applies to every employee working for an employer in Illinois, including domestic workers, but does exclude certain categories of workers that are not subject to the law.
This Paid Leave for All Workers Act allows workers to earn up to five (5) days of leave from work each year. Workers can use paid leave for any reason and employers may not require workers to provide a basis for their time off request. Workers earn one (1) hour of paid leave for every 40 hours they work. If an employer has an existing policy, certain exceptions may apply. There are certain categories of workers that are not subject to the law.
Which Employees are covered?
“Employee” has the same meaning as the definition of “employee” in Section 1 & 2 of Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (IWPCA), plus a few additional categories:
- Part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers
- All domestic workers (e.g. nannies and housekeepers)
- Employees of state & local governments/agencies (Sec. 1 IWPCA)
- Interns, if they are considered employees under the Act.
