Cook County Employment Lawyers

Navigating Employment Law: What Cook County Workers Need to Know

Employment law can be a labyrinth of legal jargon and complex regulations, but understanding your rights and obligations is crucial for both employees and employers. If you’re based in Cook County, Illinois (Chicago and close suburbs), and find yourself facing employment-related issues, this will guide you through some essential aspects of employment law that you need to be aware of.

Call us at (312) 818-2407 today to schedule your consultation. 

1. Know Your Rights: Wage and Hour Laws

One of the most common issues employees face relates to wage and hour disputes. In Cook County, the minimum wage is higher than the federal standard, reflecting the county's commitment to fair pay.  Employers are required to comply with this wage rate, and any failure to do so can lead to significant legal consequences.

Additionally, Cook County follows the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, which mandates timely payment of wages. This includes overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. If you believe your employer has failed to pay you correctly, consulting with an employment law attorney can help you understand your options for recourse.

2. Discrimination and Harassment: Your Legal Protections

Employment discrimination and harassment can take many forms, including age, race, gender, disability, and religious discrimination. Cook County’s Human Rights Ordinance provides robust protections against discrimination in the workplace. This ordinance ensures that employees are treated fairly and that discriminatory practices are addressed promptly.

If you experience any form of harassment or discrimination, it’s important to document the incidents and report them to your employer. If the situation isn’t resolved satisfactorily, an employment law attorney can help you file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

3. Understanding Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination is another critical area of employment law. In Cook County, as in the rest of Illinois, employment is generally "at-will," meaning that an employer can terminate an employee for almost any reason, as long as it's not discriminatory or in violation of an employment contract.

However, if you believe you were terminated for a reason that violates public policy, such as reporting illegal activities (whistleblowing) or exercising your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you might have grounds for a wrongful termination claim. Consulting with a knowledgeable employment attorney can help you determine if your case has merit and guide you through the legal process.  Whistleblowers in Cook County are also protected by state, local and federal laws. 

4. Family and Medical Leave

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain family and medical reasons. In Cook County, employers must comply with both federal FMLA regulations and any additional state-specific provisions.

If you need to take leave for personal or family health reasons and your employer denies this right or retaliates against you, an employment law attorney can help you understand your rights and seek appropriate remedies.

5. Employment Contracts and Agreements

Employment contracts often outline the terms of employment, including job responsibilities, salary, and termination conditions. It's essential to review any contract or agreement thoroughly before signing, as these documents can have significant implications for your employment.

If you find yourself in a dispute regarding the terms of your contract or if you need help understanding complex legal language, consulting with an attorney can provide clarity and ensure that your rights are protected.

6. Cook County Courts

The Circuit Court of Cook County is one of the largest unified court systems in the world.   It has several branches with the main one being at the Daley Center in Chicago.   Employment cases with over $50,000 at issue are typically resolved in the Cook County Law Division. 

If you have any questions or need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of employment law and ensure that your rights are upheld.

Contact Workplace Law Partners. today to learn more.