Effective January 1, 2015 Illinois employers must update their labor law posters and employee handbooks to reflect greater protection for pregnant employees under the Illinois Human Rights Act. On August 26, 2014 Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed amendments to Bill 8 which require employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers.
The new Illinois Pregnancy Accommodation law requires that employers with one or more employees provide reasonable accommodations to both disabled and non-disabled employees based on pregnancy, childbirth and other related conditions. Those accommodations span the spectrum from more frequent restroom breaks to purchase of special equipment, modification of work duties, job reassignment and unpaid, job-protected leave.
Posting Requirements, Notice and Documentation
Every Illinois employer will need to update their Illinois Human Rights poster to reflect this new law. In addition, other 2014 changes in Illinois labor law (including the Equal Pay Act) may require further updates. Here’s an excellent resources for employers to check if their labor law posters are up-to-date.
Product Recommendation
Employers are strongly urged to update their Illinois Human Rights Act poster now, preferably with the most recent version of the 2015 Illinois All-in-One labor law poster. Employers who are enrolled in an automatic poster update program have no worries…they will automatically receive updated posters.
