Didech Backs Measure to Crack Down on Workplace Harassment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to ensuring everyone has a safe and constructive work environment, state Rep. Dan Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, is supporting legislation that would address harassment-related issues by developing model policies and best practices for employers.

“While the ‘Me Too’ movement has empowered survivors to come forward and hold people accountable, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure every workplace is safe,” Didech said. “Establishing a group whose purpose is to find solutions to address deeply embedded problems in our culture is a necessary step in the right direction.”

Didech was an early supporter of House Bill 905, which would create the Private Sector Workplace Anti-Harassment Task Force in order to develop model policies and practices for employers to combat harassment. The task force will work to address harassment-related issues in the workplace by outlining model policies and best practices to keep workplaces safe, such as methods for anonymous reporting, protection for retaliation, developing employee trainings, and empowering human resource departments. Additionally, it will focus on developing policies to protect groups that are historically more vulnerable to harassment for reasons such as race, sexual orientation, or immigration status.

“During my time as township supervisor, I took immediate action when survivors came forward to report their experiences,” Didech said. “Ensuring every resident in our state feels safe and supported in their workplace is a non-partisan issue, so I look forward to working with both Republicans and Democrats to get this and other vital pieces of legislation signed into law.”