What To Know About The Illinois Workplace Transparency Act

Atom Law Group • December 13, 2019
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Employment law is another area that has been given significant attention by Governor Pritzker’s administration. On August 9, 2019, Governor Pritzker enacted big changes to employment law in Illinois via the new Workplace Transparency Act.


The Workplace Transparency Act, or WTA, focuses on the employer-employee relationship by protecting employee rights, as well as significantly modifying the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) and the Illinois Victims Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA).


Some important points include prohibiting employers from preventing or requiring employees to waive claims to unlawful employment practices or ciminal activity, and prohibiting unilateral confidentiality agreements (with certain exceptions).


The WTA’s effect on the IHRA can be found in the definitions and relating policies of key terms, including employer, unlawful discrimination, harassment, and more. The same for the VESSA can be found in the addition of a new category of protection – gender violence.


The Illinois Equal Pay Act (IEPA) will also be affected. The WTA amends the IEPA’s policies on compensation inquiries, discussion of wages, and damages.


The Workplace Transparency Act will take into effect on January 1, 2020. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns – we’re keeping a close eye on new state legislation!

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