The Chicago City Council recently approved the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance (the “Ordinance”), effective December 31, 2023. This new mandate is set to replace the current sick leave law, requiring employers in Chicago to provide up to 10 days of paid leave per year to covered employees.
Under the specifics of the Ordinance, workers can obtain up to five days of Paid Sick Leave, as well as an additional five days of Paid Leave annually. This new legislation is already causing a stir among employers in Illinois, who are in the process of updating their existing provisions to align with the recently implemented Illinois Paid Leave for All.
The city’s decision to enhance paid leave comes at a time when workers’ rights and welfare have become a core topic of discourse nationwide. The Ordinance aims to provide employees with additional means of income protection, in particularly if they find themselves unable to work due to health concerns or personal issues.
Some industry experts predict that, as a consequence of the Ordinance, more municipalities across Illinois and in other states are expected to reevaluate their own policies in regards to paid leave. This follows a broader trend across the nation for improving employee benefits to ensure a healthier and more secure workforce.
To access the full details on the changes imposed through the Ordinance, as well as advice for Illinois employers, you can refer to the article by Vedder Price on JDSupra.