Illinois Labor Laws Quiz 2025

Harper is planning her budget for the upcoming years. She wants to know when the minimum wage in Illinois will rise to $15 per hour to adjust her expenses accordingly. Can you help her find out?

• February 1st, 2025

• January 1, 2024

• January 1, 2025

• January 1, 2026

Answer explanation

The minimum wage in Illinois JUST increased to $15 per hour on January 1, 2025, as part of a scheduled increase.

What is the purpose of the new Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers law?

• To increase minimum wage

• To provide up to 40 hours of paid leave annually

• To reduce work hours

• To eliminate paid leave

Answer explanation

The Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers law aims to provide employees with up to 40 hours of paid leave annually, ensuring they can take time off for personal or family health needs without losing income.

What new requirement will public contractors face starting January 2025?

• Report to the state any labor violations

• Increase employee wages

• Reduce work hours

• Provide free health insurance

Answer explanation

Effective January 2025: Public contractors must report to the state any labor violations (e.g., wage theft or workplace safety violations) during the bidding process. This is designed to enhance transparency and ensure that only companies adhering to labor standards are awarded state contracts.

Was there any change in the overtime laws in IL?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

• Some employees are exempt from overtime pay. (ex: administrators) The way it is classified who is considered "exempt" has changed.
  
  Example 1: An employee is currently classified as exempt because they earn $900 per week but perform administrative duties. Under the new law, this employee would be reclassified as non-exempt because their salary is below the new threshold of $1,100 per week. As a result, they would now be entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 per week.

• Example 2: An executive who earns $1,200 per week and meets the duties criteria of the “executive exemption” will continue to be classified as exempt and will not be entitled to overtime, even after the new law goes into effect.

Conclusion:

Pay audits are new for 2025. What is the purpose of conducting pay audits by large employers?

• To increase profits

• To ensure gender equity

• To reduce taxes

• To hire more employees

Answer explanation

• Effective 2025: Employers in Illinois will need to disclose the pay range for job positions in job listings.

• Additionally, large employers must conduct pay audits to ensure gender equity and report the findings to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

What is the minimum wage increase part of?

• A new tax law

• A series of steps to reach $15 by 2025

• A reduction in work hours

• A decrease in state taxes

Answer explanation

The minimum wage increase is part of a series of steps aimed at reaching $15 by 2025, reflecting a planned approach to gradually raise wages rather than being linked to tax laws or reductions in work hours. This means our series of minimum wage raises has come to an end. :(

What must public contractors report during the bidding process?

• Company profits

• Labor violations

• Employee names

• Work hours

Answer explanation

Effective January 2025: Public contractors must report to the state any labor violations (e.g., wage theft or workplace safety violations) during the bidding process. This is designed to enhance transparency and ensure that only companies adhering to labor standards are awarded state contracts.

What benefit will gig workers have access to under the new protections?

• Retirement plans

• Worker’s compensation and unemployment benefits

• Stock options

• Housing allowances

Answer explanation

As Illinois moves toward greater protections for gig workers in 2025, various types of workers in the gig economy will benefit from minimum wage protections, access to benefits, and increased transparency about earnings and working conditions. Gig workers are typically independent contractors or freelancers who work on short-term contracts or through digital platforms, rather than as full-time employees.

When will the new guidelines for remote work protections become effective?

• 2023

• 2024

• 2025

• 2026

Answer explanation

The new guidelines for remote work protections are set to become effective in 2025, as confirmed by the latest regulatory updates.

What should employers provide to remote workers according to the new guidelines?

• Entertainment subscriptions

• Necessary equipment

• Travel allowances

• Free meals

Answer explanation

According to the new guidelines, employers should provide necessary equipment to remote workers to ensure they can perform their tasks effectively. This is essential for maintaining productivity and supporting a remote work environment.