Hernandez Backs Measure to Protect Workers’ Rights and Enforce Fair Pay

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently supported legislation to provide stronger enforcement of fair pay laws, employee safety protections and fair hiring practices.

“Jobs and economic opportunities are extremely important in maintaining a stable community, so it is critical that we work to provide steady and fair pay and a safe environment for employees,” Hernandez said. “We must do all we can to ensure that our neighbors are earning a fair wage and that local businesses are not taking advantage of the vulnerable.”

Hernandez backed Senate Bill 161, which creates a worker protection watchdog unit in the office of the Illinois Attorney General. The purpose of the unit is to investigate instances of unsafe working conditions, non-payment of wages, unfair hiring practices and discriminatory behavior across the state at all levels of business. Hernandez’s legislation also creates the Worker Protection Task Force to refine investigative methods and cracks down on businesses that exploit workers.

“Illinois workers deserve jobs that are safe and employers who treat them fairly and pay them what they are owed,” Hernandez said. “By ensuring enforcement of fair pay and workplace safety laws, we can work toward a better economy, a stronger middle class and a stronger Illinois.”