“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. I had the pleasure of meeting and discussing important issues for our working families with Rich just last week. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Rich for his tireless efforts in fighting for the rights of working families. He was a steadfast champion for all and will be dearly missed. His family and loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.” 

“Previously, workers that faced dangerous conditions like exposure to asbestos may not have had access to workers’ compensation, since illnesses like mesothelioma may not manifest until decades after their first exposure,” said Hoffman. “This new law will help ensure that workers that have gone to work in dangerous conditions receive justice and adequate compensation.”

Serving on the Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee, Hoffman has made the advancement of workers’ rights in Illinois a top priority. Hoffman passed Senate Bill 1596 in response to a 2015 Illinois Supreme Court case involving the declining health and eventual death of an individual who was exposed to asbestos during their employment. Although the court did not dispute the employer’s negligence as it contributed to the plaintiff’s death, it cited statute of limitations standards set forth in existing law that require legal action to be taken within specific time constraints which were not met in the case.

Hoffman’s measure, which was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, will address the statute of limitations provision in current law, which the Supreme Court held was the basis that prevented the plaintiff from receiving financial compensation following this case.

“Illinois workers deserve protection from employer negligence and wrongdoing in the workplace,” Hoffman said. “I commend the governor for signing this legislation into law, ensuring that workers who find themselves sick after working in dangerous conditions receive the justice they deserve.”

For more information, please call Rep. Hoffman’s constituent service office at 618-416-7407 or email RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure passed by State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, that would hold employers that avoid workers’ compensation responsibilities accountable was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Some jobs are just more dangerous than others. Workers that perform their duties in hazardous working conditions deserve to be protected by their employers in the scenario that they are injured on their jobsite,” said Hoffman. “Employers that subject workers to dangerous work environments should be held to a higher standard. My legislation will prevent shady contractors and other businesses from making workers unknowingly work without workers compensation insurance.”

Hoffman led the fight to pass House Bill 269, which passed both the Illinois House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Hoffman’s plan comes in response to black market landscaping companies operating under the radar without workers compensation insurance, putting injured workers at risk of not receiving compensation.

House Bill 269 will slap business that operate without workers compensation insurance with harsh financial penalties by streamlining the enforcement, hearing and penalty process for the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Hoffman’s measure has been backed by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, the Illinois AFL-CIO, the State Conference of IBEWs and the Laborers.

“I have been a continued advocate for labor, working families and job creation throughout the Metro East and state as a whole,” continued Hoffman. “I want to thank the Governor for signing this commonsense legislation into law, and moving Illinois a step forward for workers’ rights.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – During his first full legislative session, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, proudly advocated for hard-working Illinois Valley families by working for a responsible budget, invest in a growing economy, and ensure workers’ rights are protected to help move Illinois in the right direction.

“I am proud to support a budget with no bureaucratic gimmicks that help provides vital services to seniors, properly funding education, and helping to pay back our state’s debt,” said Yednock. “I also supported a proposal to help reduce the tax burden on middle-class families under our unfair tax system. This measure would help provide tax relief for more than 99 percent of Illinois Valley families, while allowing us to prioritize resources for critical services and education.”

As a strong supporter of working men and women, Yednock also sponsored Senate Bill 1474, which protects the rights of workers to unionize and collectively bargain for higher wages, more compressive benefits, and safer working conditions. Under the new law, local governments cannot create so-called, “right-to-work” zones, which allows businesses to ignore workers’ rights. Yednock believes that stronger unions in Illinois mean a stronger middle-class.

As an avid hunter and sportsman, Yednock advanced Senate Bill 1139, aimed at reducing unnecessary regulations regarding firearms and supporting Second Amendment rights. The legislation eased restrictions placed on members of law enforcement and would allow active military members under 21 to apply for a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card, currently only available to minors with parental permission.

“If you can fight for our country overseas, then I trust that our military members can responsibly handle a weapon here at home,” said Yednock. “Our members of law enforcement already undergo extensive training on firearms and are trusted with our public safety. To ask them to go through another round to own a gun or have a concealed carry license just adds more unnecessary government red tape.”

Yednock also supported measures that would help protect those with pre-existing conditions, including ensuring that insurance companies cover critical health monitors and screenings. Yednock supported Senate Bill 2026, which protects health care for millions of Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions. To lower skyrocketing medical costs burdening working families, Yednock supported legislation, House Bill 471, to stop double-digit premiums and a measure, House Bill 156, to cut the cost of prescription drugs. 

 “While Washington politicians continue to try and mess with our health care, I backed legislation this legislative session protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions and forces insurance companies to be held accountable,” said Yednock. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help pass legislation to help build a stronger Illinois by building a stronger middle class. There is still more to do to support middle class families in Illinois, and I will continue to work with local leaders and my colleagues to shape the best policy for our communities and families.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is pushing to ensure cities and towns don’t pass laws which weaken unions and endanger workers’ access to safe, fair-paying jobs.

“Strong unions are the backbone of a workforce composed of good-paying, safe jobs and employers who treat their workers with respect and fairness,” Halpin said. “When unions are in secure negotiating positions, they keep hard-working Illinoisans safe from exploitation and ensure that our families can count on consistent salaries and benefits to maintain their middle-class lifestyle.”

Halpin is supporting Senate Bill 1474, or the Collective Bargaining Freedom Act, which prohibits any laws limiting union agreements with an employer. This is in response to a national debate over “right-to-work” laws that have come up in other states. These laws prohibit agreements requiring union membership as a condition of employment. “Right-to-work” laws often significantly weaken a union’s bargaining position, and weaken employee rights and benefits. Under those laws, workers can take advantage of all rights and privileges guaranteed to them by their union contract, but do not have to pay for that service, forcing the costs of those rights and privileges onto their fellow workers. The Collective Bargaining Freedom Act would prohibit local governments from imposing “right-to-work” laws, and so help unions maintain strong bargaining positions and enforce worker rights.

“If we let “right-to-work” laws come to Illinois, working families, especially union members will face significant and lasting setbacks,” Halpin said. “When unions get weaker, workers lose protection, and some employers will take advantage of that. Passing any so-called “right-to-work” law would undoubtedly lead to the loss of good jobs around Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is fighting for stronger enforcement of fair pay laws, employee safety protections and fair hiring practices by backing legislation to create a workplace watchdog unit in the attorney general’s office.

“Good jobs are the foundation of a stable community, so maintaining safe working conditions and steady paychecks is crucial,” Connor said. “Businesses that mistreat their workers do damage far beyond just the stolen wages, unsafe job sites and discrimination that are reported. These businesses undermine confidence in the basic concept of a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work and they taint the industry they’re in for the other businesses that don’t prey on the vulnerable.”

Connor is supporting Senate Bill 161, which creates a worker protection unit within the attorney general’s office. The unit would focus on investigating instances of unsafe working conditions, non-payment of wages, unfair hiring practices and discriminatory behavior across the state at all levels of business. Connor’s legislation also creates the Worker Protection Task Force which would refine investigative methods and spread awareness of businesses that exploit workers.

“Stepping on their workers’ rights to rack up bigger profits weakens Illinois,” Connor said. “Illinois workers deserve jobs that are safe and fair and employers who are going to give them what they’re owed, when they’re owed it.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is supporting a proposed worker protection division in the attorney general’s office to ensure on-time payment, safe working conditions and fair hiring practices for Illinois employees. 

“Our focus needs to be on creating good jobs, and that means fair pay and safe workplaces,” Halpin said. “This legislation is focused solely on lifting up working families and building a strong middle class by cracking down on bad actors; those businesses that commit wage theft and put profits ahead of worker safety.”

Halpin is supporting Senate Bill 161, which creates a “Worker Protection Unit” within the attorney general’s office. The unit would focus on investigating instances of unsafe working conditions, non-payment of wages, unfair hiring practices and discriminatory behavior across the state at all levels of business. Halpin’s legislation also creates the “Worker Protection Task Force” which will refine investigative methods and spread awareness of businesses that exploit workers.

“Illinois workers deserve to have people looking out for their interests,” Halpin said. “Unfair and illegal employment practices can’t be allowed to continue. If owners treat their employees fairly and safely, and pay them a decent wage, communities across the state will be strong.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, recently backed legislation that will ensure that restaurant employees and other workers who earn tips will now be able to keep what they’ve earned without the intervention of their employers. Currently, businesses can withhold some or all gratuity payments from credit and debit card transactions.

 “In the course of my daily work as state Representative, I am often on the go and eat many of my meals in restaurants. When I tip, I want the servers to know that they did a good job and that I appreciate their efforts,” continued Manley. “Closing loopholes that businesses might use to take advantage of workers is commonsense.  People who work in the service industry are already operating at a deficit because they are paid well below minimum wage and so income from tips matters to them.”

Manley backed House Bill 3405, which provides that gratuities from customers to employees are the property of the employees and may not be retained by an employer, as current law allows businesses to withhold some or all gratuity payments from credit and debit card transactions.

“Most hardworking wait staff know that typically great service earns great tips, so they really strive to give the best service possible.  Tip income is often based upon performance, so they should be able to reap the rewards of their hard work,” continued Manley. “We need to enact policies that protect workers and put the money they’ve earned in their pocket where it belongs.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As a strong advocate for worker protections in Illinois, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is sponsoring legislation creating the Worker Protection Unit within the Attorney General’s Office, designed to investigate wage theft, unsafe work conditions, and unfair labor practices.

“While Illinois workers are still recovering after four years of assaults on their wages, benefits, and other protections, it’s important that we continue efforts to protect safe working environments and fair practices,” said Yednock. “Every worker deserves to have security in knowing that they have are working in a safe environment and that corners are not being cut just to save a couple of dollars.”

Yednock is cosponsoring Senate Bill 161, which would create the Worker Protection Unit in the Attorney General’s Office. The Unit would investigate crimes relating to corporations underpaying employees, unsafe working conditions, and dodging taxes and labor responsibilities.

“Illinois stands tall among our neighboring states as an advocate for unions, workers’ rights, and working families,” said Yednock. “Creating a new unit to help ensure that workers are being treated fairly, paid what they are owed, and that corporations are following the set law in Illinois is needed and deserved.”  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure passed by the House and supported by state Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, would ensure that tips given to restaurant workers and other employees cannot be retained by an employer.

“When a customer leaves a tip for service, they do so with the understanding that the person receiving it is the person who helped or served them,” West said. “It makes sense to clarify current law to ensure that employers are unable to keep tips that were not intended for them.”

West cosponsored House Bill 3405, which provides that gratuities from customers to employees are the property of the employee and cannot be retained by an employer. The effort is focused on waiters, waitresses and other service workers who rely on tips to make up for the difference in minimum wage they receive. Under this legislation, if an employer fails to pay out held tips more than 13 days after the end of the pay period in which the tips were earned, the employer would be under violation of state wage payment laws. The proposal does not prohibit tip pooling.

“Individuals in the service industry who earn gratuity work hard for those tips,” West said. “They should never lose income that is rightfully theirs.”